The High Cost of a Job Well Done
In most advanced democracies the state establishes a range of bodies governed by statute to monitor its own conduct in the broad areas of equality and human rights. These bodies differ in composition and purpose but are usually marked by qualities of independence and expertise. Some have quite explicit mandates – grounded in law – to change society whether through enforcement of particular laws or, more broadly, through the promotion of certain values. Others might better be described as regulatory, working within a defined domain to counter the perceived adverse effects of non-regulation.
The Equality Authority and other Agencies
As an individual member of the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and speaking in my personal capacity, I am seriously concerned at the proposal to merge the IHRC with the Equality Authority and several other bodies
Niall Crowley resignation - Letter 2
I took on the banks and won. Not many can say that these days. And the reason I won was because I had the help and support of The Equality Authority. With its help and advice I had the confidence to fight back when Ulster Bank told me I was too old to take out a car loan.
Government’s attitude to the equality authority sends signal that discrimination is now acceptable
OPEN, the national network of one-parent families, has expressed grave concern that the Equality Authority has failed to convince the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform to take the necessary action to partially reverse the extraordinary cut (43%) to its 2009 budget. Speaking today Frances Byrne of OPEN said “The fact is that the Department’s refusal to recognise the untenable position of this important agency has led inevitably to the departure of its CEO; Niall Crowley’s resignation, while entirely principled, is very regrettable and was wholly avoidable”.
Niall Crowley’s Resignation as Chief Executive of the Equality Authority
The National Women’s Council of Ireland has today expressed its full support for Niall Crowley and the principled stand he has taken in resigning as Chief Executive of the Equality Authority. “This decision we believe has been forced on Niall Crowley as a result of the massive budgetary cuts to the Authority, combined with decentralisation, making the Equality Authority unviable,” stated Maura Butler, Chairperson of the National Women’s Council of Ireland.
NCCRI Concern at the implications for equality arising from the resignation of Niall Crowley
The NCCRI wishes to express its strong concern at reasons for the resignation of Niall Crowley, CEO of the Equality Authority. The cutback of 43% meant that the work of the Equality Authority was unsustainable, particularly combined with the relocation to Roscrea in County Tipperary.
People with a disability will suffer as a result of Crowley resignation – Inclusion Ireland
Inclusion Ireland has serious concerns that the departure of the Equality Authority’s chief executive Niall Crowley, as well as cuts to the Authority and it’s decentralisation to Roscrea, will diminish the Authority’s ability to champion the rights of people with a disability.
ENAR Ireland salutes the work of Niall Crowley
‘The resignation of Niall Crowley as CEO of the Equality Authority marks a sad day for Ireland’s ability to combat discrimination and inequality’ stated Triona Ni Giolla Coille the Irish Board representative of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR). ‘Niall has been to the forefront of this country’s efforts to promote equality. The circumstances surrounding his resignation indicate a dramatic row back on the Irish state’s commitment to tackle inequality.’