Concern at rights body merger

THE LAW Society has expressed "grave concern" about the possible implications of the proposed merger of the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) with other bodies as part of the Government's programme of economic stringency measures.

Speaking at a parchment ceremony to welcome new solicitors into the profession, society president James MacGuill said that, with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights due on December 10th, "it is somewhat ironic that the protection of our existing rights and our Human Rights Commission itself is a matter of debate".

He continued: "While no detailed proposals have yet been forthcoming, the Law Society nonetheless expresses its grave concern that the progress made to date by the Irish Human Rights Commission should in any way be compromised.

"When the proposals are made public we will, of course, consider them in detail and make such comments as are appropriate.

"It is fair to say, however, that our views must reflect the practical experience we have had of working for over seven years with an exceptionally professional and conscientious team," he said.

Commission president Maurice Manning, who was guest speaker at the ceremony, said there were "as yet unspecified" Government proposals to merge a number of independent agencies including the commission.

"The commission has an open mind on this matter so long as there is no weakening in the promotion and protection of human rights in this State.

"It is vital that the very real human rights advances of the past decade be protected and sustained and in that context it is important to point out - and in fairness it needs to be said - that the record of successive Irish governments over the past decade in constructing a pro-active human rights architecture has been impressive," Dr Manning said.