A CAMPAIGN group set up to oppose cuts to human rights organisations has given a cautious welcome to the statement from Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern in the Dáil yesterday that he would review the Equality Authority’s budget and pause its decentralisation.
The Equality and Rights Alliance also welcomed the news that the recruitment of the new CEO will proceed.
It added that it was vital that the commitments given today, while not ideal, were carried out in good faith and as a matter of urgency.
Chairwoman Joanna McMinn stressed that the proposed analysis of the agency’s budget, efficiencies and capacity must take into account the value-for-money review of the Equality Authority carried out by Deloitte Touche at a reported cost of €100,000.
“We welcome this statement but need absolute assurances that it is not political window dressing, that the review process will be fully transparent and that it will not be based on any predetermined outcomes,” she said.