Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague Senator Ward. Representatives of IHREC were in Leinster House recently to update us on the public sector duty. This is to ask public bodies to have a positive provision on equality and diversity. This does not line up when I compare the general scheme with the text of the Bill. The Bill does not have a specific provision for a nominee from IHREC. We need to listen to the commission on this. It is an independent body. Diversity has featured throughout the Bill. There is a diversity statement. As I said, it is a positive provision. As Senator Ward said, it does not have to be a member. It is a nominee rather than someone specifically from the commission. Four positions have to be shared between nominees from the justice system, business and corporate governance. I am afraid the human rights and equality element would get lost. I strongly believe we need to reconsider this and listen to IHREC.