Human Rights Bodies in Jeopardy
Government proposals to amalgamate five human rights agencies are being met with strong criticism from a broad range of community and voluntary organisations. The Department of Justice has been told by the Department of Finance that it should consider merging at least five of the organisations for which it has responsibility. The five organisations in question are the National Disability Authority, the Equality Authority, the Equality Tribunal, the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.
In addition, the Government has proposed to have a subsidiary merger of the National Disability Authority with the Office for Disability and Mental Health, which has only been in existence since last January. The organisations involved in the merger were informed of the plan on July 23rd last and were given until September 12th to respond to the proposal.
This move comes as part of the Government’s economic stringency programme, in which it plans a review of all state agencies in a bid to cut €440m in public spending this year and €1 billion next year. As Caroline O’Doherty of the Irish Examiner reports, these bodies are now, “in a fight for survival following a warning that they will be merged, downsized or disbanded to save money”. Eamon MacAodha, Chief Executive of the IHRC said the proposed cuts must not be allowed to undermine human rights protection in Ireland.
Most vulnerable in society
The Government argues that such bodies are a burden on public finances and in many cases duplicate the work of others. Related agencies and opposition parties however counter that the merger will not generate sufficient savings to justify the measures, emphasising that it is unfair to target those representing the most vulnerable in society. Furthermore, as all five agencies are established by law, any significant change in their status would require legal amendment, which may serve in their favour.
Dungarvan Hillwalking Club Cheque Presentation to NCBI
Back in May this year, 19 members of the Dungarvan Hillwalking Club climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland to raise funds for the NCBI. Over €3,500 was raised, in addition to €1,800 collected by the group last year. The cheque was presented to John Fitzpatrick, NCBI Fundraising Executive, at a reception in Cairbre House, Dungarvan.
Before the cheque was handed over, John expressed thanks on behalf of the vision impaired people that the fundraising would support.
Special thanks go to the Kirwan family and friends who walked, collected and provided great support for this fundraising venture. Thanks also to all the members of the Dungarvan Hillwalking Club who rallied together for the expedition and to Cairbre House, Dungarvan for sponsoring the reception for the cheque presentation to NCBI.
Wanted: Actors who are blind or vision impaired Gillian Reynolds Casting is carrying out a nationwide search for actors who are blind or vision impaired with real acting abilities to take part in an upcoming Irish production. The currently untitled feature film has a wonderfully gripping storyline of love and loss, set in an urban backdrop played out by a five piece ensemble cast. With a strong script and production team it is sure to be a golden opportunity and great experience.
The casting agency is looking for two actors who are blind or vision impaired, one male and one female in the age range of 30 – 45 for both. Casting Director Gillian Reynolds will be holding auditions in Dublin in the near future. **Interested parties can contact the office via email at
“grac.casting@gmail.com:grac.casting@gmail.com” or alternatively at
Tel: 087 2805398.**