THE EQUALITY Authority has officially informed the Department of Justice of its opposition to plans to merge it with other agencies.
In a statement last night, its chairwoman, Angela Kearns, said it was not aware of any significant cost-savings from a merger as there was no overlap in the functions of the agencies involved.
This follows the announcement of proposals from the Department of Justice to merge the Irish Human Rights Commission, the Equality Authority, the office of the Data Protection Commissioner, the Equality Tribunal and the Disability Authority as part of its cost-cutting measures.
"The Equality Authority appreciates the current economic difficulties facing the Government and is committed to playing its part by ensuring value for money and the delivery of cost-efficient services."
However, Ms Kearns said it was not aware of any cost-savings that could be made, and added that the Department of Justice already had a shared services back-office which the authority used.
"The Equality Authority is committed to examining any further use of this back-office or other shared services to achieve the objectives of the Department of Finance.
She said: "The Equality Authority in its current form is both effective and efficient as evidenced by recent external reviews. It is vital that the work of the Equality Authority in promoting equality and non-discrimination is not diluted and that there is no loss of service to the public.
"Indeed, at all recent regional public meetings members of the public, small and large businesses, trade unions and community groups told us that they want even greater access to the services of the Equality Authority.
"The Equality Authority gives clear guidance on best practice and compliance, information and support, and provides valuable assistance in legal claims.
"This essential service should not be in any way diluted, but there is a very real risk that this could happen in an agency with a broader and more diverse role.
"It is the belief of the Equality Authority that there are genuine incompatibilities in the functions of the different bodies which have been suggested for merging.
"The role of the Equality Authority is hugely important to society as it champions equality and non-discrimination for all.
"This role has never been more important than it is now as vulnerable groups are most at risk in any economic downturn."