Women’s and human rights organisations welcome new Irish Minister for Justice and Equality
[Brussels, 9 May 2014] Yesterday, Ms Frances Fitzgerald was appointed new Minister for Justice and Equality in Ireland, leaving her position of Minister for Children. According to the Irish Times, Her main achievements during her term include passing the children’s referendum and introducing the children’s first legislation.
Originally from Limerick, Ms Fitzgerald was formerly chairperson of the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) and vice-president of European Women’s Lobby (EWL).
The EWL therefore trusts that she will bring a gender perspective in her new work. A member of the NWCI, the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) welcomed her appointment and already expressed their wish to see her "end a five year delay on key reforms of the immigration system and ensure a robust response to rising levels of racism as well as sex trafficking". You can read ICI press release here.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland added: "The trafficking of people for sexual exploitation is now the biggest crime in Europe and it is vital that there is no further delay in acting on the unanimous recommendations of the Oireachtas Justice Committee to curb this by targeting the buyers of sex. The recommendations were issued 11-months ago and we are anxious to see the Minister act on this without further delay."
The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) said Ms Fitzgerald had been a “long time advocate of legislative reform and equality for lesbian and gay people”. (see more here).
