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”.
“Under Mr. Crowley’s leadership, the Equality Authority has become recognised as an exemplary model internationally”, continued Ms. Byrne, “the Department’s position means that our government is sending a clear signal that discrimination in the work place and in public services is now somehow acceptable in Ireland”.
“Given the current economic context, the contribution of a key organisation which assists private and public bodies to reduce the occurrence of bad practice and provision has never been more essential. The undermining of the Authority’s work at this juncture will only increase anxiety among lone parents and others who overly depend on public services and who are likely to find themselves in vulnerable employment situations”, concluded Ms. Byrne.