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Green Party Justice and Equality
spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD voiced his concern at the
proposed merger of equality and Human Rights State agencies. The
proposed merger, part of the Government's State Agency
rationalisation plans would see the amalgamation of the Equality
Authority, the Human Rights Commission, the Equality Tribunal, the
National Disability Authority and the Office of the Data Protection
Commissioner into one agency.
Deputy Cuffe said: "I think we have to
tread very carefully here. These agencies play a vital role in
ensuring the civic and social wellbeing of the State. They provide
advice and expertise to the Government in are instrumental in
ensuring the State adheres to its social justice and human rights
obligations.
"To my mind, merging such agencies,
that have clearly separate functions, is not a logical step. Yes, we
are facing difficulties with the public finances but cutting back on
those agencies that promote a socially just Ireland is not the way
forward I think" concluded Deputy Cuffe |
