Mr. Kieran Rose:

A critical issue identified by the commissioners is that of premises. The Equality Authority is based on Clonmel Street in an OPW building which will revert to it. The Human Rights Commission has a lease on a premises on Jervis Street and the rent is significant.

It is not the most appropriate premises for a new organisation that would like to have a strong footprint in the public consciousness. For example, it does not have a storefront presence on the street. We raised this matter with the Minister of State last night. We would enjoy and seek the support of the committee in resolving the matter. An ideal solution would be for the Office of Public Works, OPW, to take over the lease of the Jervis Street premises, allowing the new Irish human rights and equality commission, IHREC, to gain new premises more suitable to a merged organisation that wants a strong public profile.