Ministerial statement on the appointment of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the appointment of the new Equality Commission, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews, TD, said today:
"I warmly welcome the appointment of Professor Joan Harbision to the Chair of the new Equality Commission. I would also like to extend my congratulations to Bronagh Hinds on her appointment as Deputy Chairperson, and to the other members of the Commission on their appointment.
"The Equality Commission has a pivotal role under the Good Friday Agreement in combatting discrimination and promoting equality. In particular, the Commission has been tasked with implementing the new statutory duty on public bodies to promote equality of opportunity. It's establishment represents a significant development in the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
"I would like also to pay tribute to the work of the Fair Employment Commission which will be absorbed into the new Equality Commission and to its Chairman, Bob Cooper. Over the years, Bob Cooper has worked tirelessly and selflessly in the pursuit of fairness and equality of access to the labour market. The people of Northern Ireland are deeply in his debt."
