Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission publish information leaflet on public sector duty
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) have published an information leaflet outlining some steps that a public body can take to bring a human rights focus to their work. Under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, public bodies are required to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity to both staff and service users, and to protect the human rights of its members, staff and service users. Section 42 of the Act required public bodies to set out in its strategic plan an assessment of the human rights and equality issues relevant to its function including plans and actions to be put in place to address any issues identified. In addition, a public body must report on developments and achievements in its annual report.
The IHREC information leaflet titled “The Public Sector Duty” has been produced in order to assist public bodies in implementing their Irish Human Rights and Equality Act duties. The information leaflet outlines and explains:
- The legislation including the core steps that public bodies need to implement.
- The IHREC definition of a public body.
- Benefits of implementing the public sector duty.
- What a public body needs to do in relation to initial assessment, strategic planning, consultation with employees, managers, trade unions etc., training and working groups to focus on implementing the public sector duty.
Examples demonstrating how public bodies might screen and analyse existing policies, programmes and practices are provided including tips on how to deliver effective action planning, data collection, monitoring and reporting.
Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about how to implement your public sector duty please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected]
