The Cabinet has today noted and accepted the recommendation of the Public Appointments Service (PAS) for the appointment of Ms. Sunniva McDonagh SC to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), in line with the process laid out in Section 13 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014.
This recommendation follows the withdrawal from the appointment process of one of the candidates previously for appointment as Commissioner on 12 June 2020. The recommendation of Ms. McDonagh, along with the previously approved recommendation of Ms. Sinead Gibney for the post of Chief Commissioner, and the seven other recommended candidates for the post of Commissioner, will now go forward for approval to the Houses of the Oireachtas and the President.
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, who brought the recommendations to Government said:
Ms. Sunniva McDonagh brings a broad range of valuable experience, insights and perspectives that will further enhance the IHREC’s work in the promotion of tolerance and acceptance of diversity in the State. IHREC’s work in furthering the respect for the freedom and dignity of each person, and the elimination of human rights abuses and discrimination is incredibly important.
I have no doubt that the Commission will benefit enormously from the legal and practical expertise that Ms. McDonagh will bring to the institution.
The appointments process for members of the Commission is governed by Section 13(1)(b) of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. The Act provides that members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President (a) on the advice of the government, and (b) following the passing of a resolution of each House of the Oireachtas recommending the appointment.
Note for Editors
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights institution and equality body. It is an independent public body with a mandate established under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 to protect and promote human rights and equality. Additionally, it seeks to promote the development of a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the state.
Its mission is: “to build a just and inclusive society that protects and promotes human rights and equality in Ireland.”
In accordance with the 2014 Act, the Public Appointments Service recently undertook a selection process for appointment of a Chief Commissioner and members of the Commission.
Ms. Sunniva McDonagh SC
Ms. McDonagh has been a practising lawyer since 1982 and was made Senior Counsel in 2008. She is a member of the Bar of Ireland Human Rights Committee and has been a Chair of the Mental Health Tribunal since 2010. Ms. McDonagh previously served as an IHREC commissioner from 2014 – 2019.
Ms. McDonagh, along with the other newly appointed Commissioners, will join Commissioners Frank Conaty, Caroline Fennell, Heydi Foster Breslin, Salome Mbugua, Colm O’Dwyer and Tony Geoghegan.