Know your rights
Links about Rights
Irish Human Rights Commission
www.ihrc.ie
The mission of the Human Rights Commission is to endeavour to ensure that the human rights of all people in the State are fully realised and protected, in law, in policy and in practice. The IHRC monitors the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice in the State relating to the protection of human rights. It also works to promote understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights, offers its expertise in human rights law to the courts as amicus curiae in cases involving human rights issues and takes legal proceedings to vindicate human rights in the State or provides legal assistance to persons in this regard.
Citizens Information
http://www.citizensinformation.ie
This is an government website developed by the Citizens Information Board. The site provides information on the social and civil rights of everyone in Ireland. It contains information and links relating to public services in Ireland and on matter which affect people at different life stages, such as birth, marriage and death.
Activelink
http://www.activelink.ie
This valuable site acts as a hub for community and voluntary organisations in Ireland that want to find and exchange advice, information and expertise. It has a free weekly newsletter containing information on events, job opportunities and resources which is e-mailed to subscribers. Its Directory contains a comprehensive list of organisations in Ireland, sorted by subject area.
Acts of the Oireachtas
http://www.acts.ie
This database contains the Acts of the Oireachtas (Irish legislature) in Irish and in English from 1922 to the present day.
itsyourmoney.ie
http://www.itsyourmoney.ie/
This website is the consumer information arm of the Financial Regulator. It gives you independent information on financial products and services to help you make financial decisions.
Irish Law
http://www.irishlaw.org
Established by Dr Darius Whelan at University College Cork and hosted by UCC Law faculty, this website provides information on and links to Irish legal practice, subjects, journals, associations and studies, as well as a blog and discussion list on a variety of topics.
European Consumer Centre Dublin
http://www.eccdublin.ie
The ECCD provides free information and advice to the public on their rights as EU consumers and with any cross-border consumer problems. The ECC in Dublin is part of a network of European centres (Euroguichets) which aim to convey the benefits of the Single Market to all citizens.
National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)
http://www.employmentrights.ie/en/
The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) was established under the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016" to achieve a national culture of employment rights compliance. It provides information to employees and employers through its information unit, monitors employment conditions through its inspection services and can enforce compliance and seek redress. NERA covers many aspects of employment rights including Wages, Annual Leave, Working Hours, Redundancy, Dismissal, and Notice.
Northern Irish Human Rights Commission
http://www.nihrc.org
The Northern Ireland Human Rights commission seeks to ensure that the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland are fully and firmly protected in law, policy and practice, which includes monitoring and promoting compliance in Northern Ireland with domestic and international human rights standards. The NIHRC is responsible for co-formulating a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, providing independent specialist advice on human rights matters to the public and for potentially assisting in suitable human rights cases, either by providing assistance or by submitting interventions in a proceedings.
UNICEF
www.unicef.org
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm
Irish Traveller Movement Legal Unit
http://www.itmtrav.com/Legal_Unit.html
The ITM is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller Community in a partnership between Travellers and settled people committed to seeking full equality for Travellers in Irish society. It is a registered charity which receives both government and private funding. The Legal Unit was set up in 2003 to push forward the objectives of the ITM through legal initiatives. The Unit's overall aim is to promote Travellers' human and legal rights as a minority ethnic group within Irish Society. The Unit provides advice and information to all members of the Traveller community, Traveller organisations and anyone else who is involved in working with the Traveller community.It also helps develop ITM policy and educational programmes as well as engage in strategic litigation.
Ballymun Community Law Centre
http://www.bclc.ie/
BCLC was established in 2002 on foot of a locally-based campaign to ensure that legal services were provided to people in their own area. The country's second community law centre, it is funded and supported by a range of statutory and non-governmental organisations. BCLC provides legal information, advice and representation in relation to civil cases for people living in the Ballymun area where they do not come under the Civil Legal Aid Act and they cannot afford to instruct a private solicitor. The Centre operates outreach and drop-in advice clinics in the Ballymun area each month. Main areas dealt with include housing, employment, social welfare, consumer, equality, debt and family law. Community legal education and legal training is also provided.
Immigrant Council of Ireland
http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie
The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) is an independent non-governmental body which seeks to address the emerging needs of immigrants in Ireland. ICI provides free information and advice on immigrants' rights and entitlements and referral services to other appropriate agencies. Issues covered might include work permits, working visas/authorisations, business permits, student visas, tourist/visitors' visas, permission to remain, family reunification, citizenship & residency, regularisation and voluntary return. ICI conducts research in the area of migration, lobbies the government with regard to immigrants' rights and entitlements, and provides training to statutory and non-statutory agencies.
Northside Community Law Centre
http://www.nclc.ie
Ireland's first community law centre was established in 1974 and has played a vital role in the local community since then. It provides information, advice and representation to individuals and groups in Dublin North Central / Dublin North East who otherwise cannot afford to access legal services. It works with the community in education, research and on campaign issues. It focuses in particular on family law, employment and equality law, social welfare, consumer and debt law, wills/inheritance and housing. NCLC provides legal representation in certain cases.
www.ihrc.ie
The mission of the Human Rights Commission is to endeavour to ensure that the human rights of all people in the State are fully realised and protected, in law, in policy and in practice. The IHRC monitors the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice in the State relating to the protection of human rights. It also works to promote understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights, offers its expertise in human rights law to the courts as amicus curiae in cases involving human rights issues and takes legal proceedings to vindicate human rights in the State or provides legal assistance to persons in this regard.
Citizens Information
http://www.citizensinformation.ie
This is an government website developed by the Citizens Information Board. The site provides information on the social and civil rights of everyone in Ireland. It contains information and links relating to public services in Ireland and on matter which affect people at different life stages, such as birth, marriage and death.
Activelink
http://www.activelink.ie
This valuable site acts as a hub for community and voluntary organisations in Ireland that want to find and exchange advice, information and expertise. It has a free weekly newsletter containing information on events, job opportunities and resources which is e-mailed to subscribers. Its Directory contains a comprehensive list of organisations in Ireland, sorted by subject area.
Acts of the Oireachtas
http://www.acts.ie
This database contains the Acts of the Oireachtas (Irish legislature) in Irish and in English from 1922 to the present day.
itsyourmoney.ie
http://www.itsyourmoney.ie/
This website is the consumer information arm of the Financial Regulator. It gives you independent information on financial products and services to help you make financial decisions.
Irish Law
http://www.irishlaw.org
Established by Dr Darius Whelan at University College Cork and hosted by UCC Law faculty, this website provides information on and links to Irish legal practice, subjects, journals, associations and studies, as well as a blog and discussion list on a variety of topics.
European Consumer Centre Dublin
http://www.eccdublin.ie
The ECCD provides free information and advice to the public on their rights as EU consumers and with any cross-border consumer problems. The ECC in Dublin is part of a network of European centres (Euroguichets) which aim to convey the benefits of the Single Market to all citizens.
National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)
http://www.employmentrights.ie/en/
The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) was established under the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016" to achieve a national culture of employment rights compliance. It provides information to employees and employers through its information unit, monitors employment conditions through its inspection services and can enforce compliance and seek redress. NERA covers many aspects of employment rights including Wages, Annual Leave, Working Hours, Redundancy, Dismissal, and Notice.
Northern Irish Human Rights Commission
http://www.nihrc.org
The Northern Ireland Human Rights commission seeks to ensure that the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland are fully and firmly protected in law, policy and practice, which includes monitoring and promoting compliance in Northern Ireland with domestic and international human rights standards. The NIHRC is responsible for co-formulating a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, providing independent specialist advice on human rights matters to the public and for potentially assisting in suitable human rights cases, either by providing assistance or by submitting interventions in a proceedings.
UNICEF
www.unicef.org
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm
Irish Traveller Movement Legal Unit
http://www.itmtrav.com/Legal_Unit.html
The ITM is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller Community in a partnership between Travellers and settled people committed to seeking full equality for Travellers in Irish society. It is a registered charity which receives both government and private funding. The Legal Unit was set up in 2003 to push forward the objectives of the ITM through legal initiatives. The Unit's overall aim is to promote Travellers' human and legal rights as a minority ethnic group within Irish Society. The Unit provides advice and information to all members of the Traveller community, Traveller organisations and anyone else who is involved in working with the Traveller community.It also helps develop ITM policy and educational programmes as well as engage in strategic litigation.
Ballymun Community Law Centre
http://www.bclc.ie/
BCLC was established in 2002 on foot of a locally-based campaign to ensure that legal services were provided to people in their own area. The country's second community law centre, it is funded and supported by a range of statutory and non-governmental organisations. BCLC provides legal information, advice and representation in relation to civil cases for people living in the Ballymun area where they do not come under the Civil Legal Aid Act and they cannot afford to instruct a private solicitor. The Centre operates outreach and drop-in advice clinics in the Ballymun area each month. Main areas dealt with include housing, employment, social welfare, consumer, equality, debt and family law. Community legal education and legal training is also provided.
Immigrant Council of Ireland
http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie
The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) is an independent non-governmental body which seeks to address the emerging needs of immigrants in Ireland. ICI provides free information and advice on immigrants' rights and entitlements and referral services to other appropriate agencies. Issues covered might include work permits, working visas/authorisations, business permits, student visas, tourist/visitors' visas, permission to remain, family reunification, citizenship & residency, regularisation and voluntary return. ICI conducts research in the area of migration, lobbies the government with regard to immigrants' rights and entitlements, and provides training to statutory and non-statutory agencies.
Northside Community Law Centre
http://www.nclc.ie
Ireland's first community law centre was established in 1974 and has played a vital role in the local community since then. It provides information, advice and representation to individuals and groups in Dublin North Central / Dublin North East who otherwise cannot afford to access legal services. It works with the community in education, research and on campaign issues. It focuses in particular on family law, employment and equality law, social welfare, consumer and debt law, wills/inheritance and housing. NCLC provides legal representation in certain cases.
Irish Government and State Agencies
The Ombudsman for Children
http://www.oco.ie
The Ombudsman for Children holds the unique, independent and statutory position to promote the rights and welfare of children and young people living in Ireland. The Ombudsman for Children's mission is to be an independent voice and catalyst for change on behalf of all children and young people in Ireland, to promote their rights and welfare and to promote a shared responsibility for developing a society where children and young people are better respected. The current Ombudsman is Emily Logan.
The Pensions Ombudsman
http://www.pensionsombudsman.ie
The Pensions Ombudsman independently investigates and decides complaints and disputes involving occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs). The current Pensions Ombudsman is Paul Kenny. You can complain to the Pensions Ombudsman if you believe you have suffered financial loss because of poor administration of a pension scheme or PRSA and if you are an actual or potential beneficiary of an occupational pension scheme or a PRSA. Without claiming to be at a financial loss, anyone eligible to complain can refer a dispute of fact or law to the Pensions Ombudsman. There is no cost to the public for this service.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service
http://www.mabs.ie
MABS is a national free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or in danger of getting into debt. People can speak to a Money Advisor who will help them to work out a plan for dealing with their finances and where necessary may intervene on their behalf with creditors or financial institutions.
Citizens Information Board
http://www.citizensinformationboard.ie
Citizens Information Board is the national support agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services. Citizens Information Board provides citizens information for the general public; support for information providers, e.g. voluntary and statutory organisations; and social policy and research information.
Law Reform Commission
http://www.lawreform.ie
The LRC's main function is to keep the law under review and make recommendations for its reform. It is an independent body corporate established under the Law Reform Commission Act 1975. The Commission carries out its functions under the Act in two primary ways: pursuant to programmes of law reform which it draws up in consultation with the Attorney General and which are government-approved; and pursuant to specific requests (or "references") by the Attorney General to the Commission in relation to particular branches or matters of law.
The Financial Services Ombudsman
http://www.financialombudsman.ie
The Financial Services Ombudsman is a statutory officer who deals independently with unresolved complaints from consumers about their individual dealings with all financial service providers. It is a free service to the complainant. Broader issues of consumer protection are the responsibility of the
The Equality Authority
http://www.equality.ie
The Equality Authority is an independent body set up under the Employment Equality Act 1998. This Act and the Equal Status Act, 2000 outlaw discrimination in employment, vocational training, advertising, collective agreements, the provision of goods and services and other opportunities to which the public generally have access on nine distinct grounds: gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religious belief and membership of the Traveller Community. The Equality Authority provides information to the public on equality rights, holds a library of relevant materials and provides legal advice (and in certain cases, representation).
Office for Social Inclusion
http://www.socialinclusion.ie
The OSI has overall responsibility for developing, co-ordinating and driving the National Action Plan Against Poverty and Social Exclusion (NAP/Inclusion). This plan incorporates the National Anti-Poverty Strategy and the social inclusion commitments contained in the Sustaining Progress agreement. The OSI monitors and evaluates the strategy and develops support functions to underpin the process. It also carries out poverty-proofing and research.
The Courts Service
http://www.courts.ie
The Courts Service was established to manage the courts, support the judiciary and provide a high-quality and professional service to all users of the courts.The site features the courts legal diaries, lists of judges and sittings, caselaw, court forms, lists of offices and maps, practice directions, rules and fees, information on jury service and the online application process for the Small Claims Court.
National Consumer Agency
http://www.consumerconnect.ie
NCA was established in response to a recommendation of the Consumer Strategy Group Report. It incorporates the work of the Office of the Director for Consumer Affairs, which was responsible for providing advice and information to consumers on their statutory rights, on the regulation of credit intermediaries, on the licensing of pawnbrokers and on the enforcement of a wide range of consumer protection legislation. Members of the public may contact the NCA about false or misleading claims about goods, services and prices and it will investigate the matter. It operates a helpline at 1890 432432.
Irish Government
http://www.irlgov.ie
The official site of the Irish government which links to all government departments and organisations. It provides general information about Ireland, indices of recent publications and a search engine that searches all government sites. Contains links to Iris Oifigiul (the official means used by the Government for announcing appointments to public offices and publishing proclamations, statutory instruments, appointment of receivers to companies, etc), the National Development Plan and enacted government legislation.
Oireachtas na hEireann - Irish Parliament
http://www.oireachtas.ie
Website of the Irish upper (Seanad) and lower (Dail) Houses of Parliament. Contains links to schedue of business, parliamentary debates and Irish legislation (in the Irish statute book). Also has information on the history of the Irish legislature and live web feed during parliamentary session.
The Ombudsman
http://ombudsman.gov.ie
The Ombudsman has the power to examine complaints about the administrative actions of government departments, the Health Service Executive, local authorities and An Post.The current Ombudsman is Emily O'Reilly. She can demand any information, document or file from a public body about which a complaint has been made and can require any official to give information about a complaint. In most instances, the Ombudsman's recommendations are complied with, but if the public body concerned fails to act on her recommendations, she may present a special report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on the matter.
Financial Regulator
http://www.ifsra.ie
Part of the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the Financial Regulator is responsible for the regulation of all financial services firms in Ireland and as such is particularly important for protecting consumers' rights. This site also links to the Financial Regulator's consumer information site which provides independent information on financial products in plain English.
National Disability Authority
http://www.nda.ie
The National Disability Authority (NDA) is an independent statutory agency which, on behalf of the State, promotes and helps secure the rights and entitlements of people with disabilities. It acts as a national body to assist in the coordination and development of disability policy; undertakes research and develops statistical information for the planning, delivery and monitoring of programmes and services for people with disabilities; it advises the Minister on standards for programmes and services and prepare codes of practice; it monitors the implementation of standards and codes of practice; and it takes the lead in both encouraging and recognising the promotion of equality of people with disabilities.
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
http://www.gardaombudsman.ie/
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission's mission is to provide the public with an independent and effective oversight of policing, and to deal with the public's complaints concerning Gardaí fairly and efficiently so that everyone can have confidence in the complaints system. It will directly and independently investigate complaints against members of the Garda Síochána; investigate any matter, even where no complaint has been made, where it appears that a Garda may have committed an offence or behaved in a way that would justify disciplinary proceedings; investigate any practice, policy or procedure of the Garda Síochána with a view to reducing the incidence of related complaints. The current Ombudsman Commission is composed of the Hon Mr Justice Kevin Haugh, Ms Carmel Foley and Mr Conor Brady.
Combat Poverty Agency
http://www.cpa.ie
Note: As of Budget 2009, Combat Poverty has been subsumed into the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Combat Poverty is dedicated to advising on ways to prevent and eliminate poverty and social exclusion. It realises its aims through the four general functions set out in the Combat Poverty Agency Act 1986: policy advice, project support and innovation, research and public education.
Legal Aid Board
http://www.legalaidboard.ie
The Legal Aid Board provides legal aid and advice in civil cases to persons who satisfy the requirements of the Civil Legal Aid Act,1995. In other words, their means must be below a certain limit and their case must have merit, i.e. there must be a solid basis for the case to go ahead. The Board makes the service of solicitors and, if necessary, barristers available to persons of moderate means at little cost. The service includes anything from writing a letter to representation in court proceedings. Some areas of law are excluded, including most work at tribunals.
http://www.oco.ie
The Ombudsman for Children holds the unique, independent and statutory position to promote the rights and welfare of children and young people living in Ireland. The Ombudsman for Children's mission is to be an independent voice and catalyst for change on behalf of all children and young people in Ireland, to promote their rights and welfare and to promote a shared responsibility for developing a society where children and young people are better respected. The current Ombudsman is Emily Logan.
The Pensions Ombudsman
http://www.pensionsombudsman.ie
The Pensions Ombudsman independently investigates and decides complaints and disputes involving occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs). The current Pensions Ombudsman is Paul Kenny. You can complain to the Pensions Ombudsman if you believe you have suffered financial loss because of poor administration of a pension scheme or PRSA and if you are an actual or potential beneficiary of an occupational pension scheme or a PRSA. Without claiming to be at a financial loss, anyone eligible to complain can refer a dispute of fact or law to the Pensions Ombudsman. There is no cost to the public for this service.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service
http://www.mabs.ie
MABS is a national free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or in danger of getting into debt. People can speak to a Money Advisor who will help them to work out a plan for dealing with their finances and where necessary may intervene on their behalf with creditors or financial institutions.
Citizens Information Board
http://www.citizensinformationboard.ie
Citizens Information Board is the national support agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services. Citizens Information Board provides citizens information for the general public; support for information providers, e.g. voluntary and statutory organisations; and social policy and research information.
Law Reform Commission
http://www.lawreform.ie
The LRC's main function is to keep the law under review and make recommendations for its reform. It is an independent body corporate established under the Law Reform Commission Act 1975. The Commission carries out its functions under the Act in two primary ways: pursuant to programmes of law reform which it draws up in consultation with the Attorney General and which are government-approved; and pursuant to specific requests (or "references") by the Attorney General to the Commission in relation to particular branches or matters of law.
The Financial Services Ombudsman
http://www.financialombudsman.ie
The Financial Services Ombudsman is a statutory officer who deals independently with unresolved complaints from consumers about their individual dealings with all financial service providers. It is a free service to the complainant. Broader issues of consumer protection are the responsibility of the
The Equality Authority
http://www.equality.ie
The Equality Authority is an independent body set up under the Employment Equality Act 1998. This Act and the Equal Status Act, 2000 outlaw discrimination in employment, vocational training, advertising, collective agreements, the provision of goods and services and other opportunities to which the public generally have access on nine distinct grounds: gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religious belief and membership of the Traveller Community. The Equality Authority provides information to the public on equality rights, holds a library of relevant materials and provides legal advice (and in certain cases, representation).
Office for Social Inclusion
http://www.socialinclusion.ie
The OSI has overall responsibility for developing, co-ordinating and driving the National Action Plan Against Poverty and Social Exclusion (NAP/Inclusion). This plan incorporates the National Anti-Poverty Strategy and the social inclusion commitments contained in the Sustaining Progress agreement. The OSI monitors and evaluates the strategy and develops support functions to underpin the process. It also carries out poverty-proofing and research.
The Courts Service
http://www.courts.ie
The Courts Service was established to manage the courts, support the judiciary and provide a high-quality and professional service to all users of the courts.The site features the courts legal diaries, lists of judges and sittings, caselaw, court forms, lists of offices and maps, practice directions, rules and fees, information on jury service and the online application process for the Small Claims Court.
National Consumer Agency
http://www.consumerconnect.ie
NCA was established in response to a recommendation of the Consumer Strategy Group Report. It incorporates the work of the Office of the Director for Consumer Affairs, which was responsible for providing advice and information to consumers on their statutory rights, on the regulation of credit intermediaries, on the licensing of pawnbrokers and on the enforcement of a wide range of consumer protection legislation. Members of the public may contact the NCA about false or misleading claims about goods, services and prices and it will investigate the matter. It operates a helpline at 1890 432432.
Irish Government
http://www.irlgov.ie
The official site of the Irish government which links to all government departments and organisations. It provides general information about Ireland, indices of recent publications and a search engine that searches all government sites. Contains links to Iris Oifigiul (the official means used by the Government for announcing appointments to public offices and publishing proclamations, statutory instruments, appointment of receivers to companies, etc), the National Development Plan and enacted government legislation.
Oireachtas na hEireann - Irish Parliament
http://www.oireachtas.ie
Website of the Irish upper (Seanad) and lower (Dail) Houses of Parliament. Contains links to schedue of business, parliamentary debates and Irish legislation (in the Irish statute book). Also has information on the history of the Irish legislature and live web feed during parliamentary session.
The Ombudsman
http://ombudsman.gov.ie
The Ombudsman has the power to examine complaints about the administrative actions of government departments, the Health Service Executive, local authorities and An Post.The current Ombudsman is Emily O'Reilly. She can demand any information, document or file from a public body about which a complaint has been made and can require any official to give information about a complaint. In most instances, the Ombudsman's recommendations are complied with, but if the public body concerned fails to act on her recommendations, she may present a special report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on the matter.
Financial Regulator
http://www.ifsra.ie
Part of the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the Financial Regulator is responsible for the regulation of all financial services firms in Ireland and as such is particularly important for protecting consumers' rights. This site also links to the Financial Regulator's consumer information site which provides independent information on financial products in plain English.
National Disability Authority
http://www.nda.ie
The National Disability Authority (NDA) is an independent statutory agency which, on behalf of the State, promotes and helps secure the rights and entitlements of people with disabilities. It acts as a national body to assist in the coordination and development of disability policy; undertakes research and develops statistical information for the planning, delivery and monitoring of programmes and services for people with disabilities; it advises the Minister on standards for programmes and services and prepare codes of practice; it monitors the implementation of standards and codes of practice; and it takes the lead in both encouraging and recognising the promotion of equality of people with disabilities.
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
http://www.gardaombudsman.ie/
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission's mission is to provide the public with an independent and effective oversight of policing, and to deal with the public's complaints concerning Gardaí fairly and efficiently so that everyone can have confidence in the complaints system. It will directly and independently investigate complaints against members of the Garda Síochána; investigate any matter, even where no complaint has been made, where it appears that a Garda may have committed an offence or behaved in a way that would justify disciplinary proceedings; investigate any practice, policy or procedure of the Garda Síochána with a view to reducing the incidence of related complaints. The current Ombudsman Commission is composed of the Hon Mr Justice Kevin Haugh, Ms Carmel Foley and Mr Conor Brady.
Combat Poverty Agency
http://www.cpa.ie
Note: As of Budget 2009, Combat Poverty has been subsumed into the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Combat Poverty is dedicated to advising on ways to prevent and eliminate poverty and social exclusion. It realises its aims through the four general functions set out in the Combat Poverty Agency Act 1986: policy advice, project support and innovation, research and public education.
Legal Aid Board
http://www.legalaidboard.ie
The Legal Aid Board provides legal aid and advice in civil cases to persons who satisfy the requirements of the Civil Legal Aid Act,1995. In other words, their means must be below a certain limit and their case must have merit, i.e. there must be a solid basis for the case to go ahead. The Board makes the service of solicitors and, if necessary, barristers available to persons of moderate means at little cost. The service includes anything from writing a letter to representation in court proceedings. Some areas of law are excluded, including most work at tribunals.
Independent Non-Governmental Organisations (Ireland)
FLAC
http://www.flac.ie/
FLAC is an independent human rights organisation dedicated to the realisation of equal access to justice for all. To this end it campaigns on a range of legal issues but also offers some basic, free legal services to the public. FLAC currently concentrates its work on four main areas: Legal Aid, Social Welfare, Credit & Debt and Public Interest Law. More information on our current work in all these areas is also available in the current campaigns section and in the policy section. You can view a short film by Atlantic Philanthropies, which funds FLAC, about our work and principles.
Pavee Point
http://www.paveepoint.ie
Pavee Point is a partnership of Irish Travellers and settled people working together to improve the lives of Irish Travellers through working towards social justice, solidarity, socio-economic development and human rights. Operating at local, national and international levels, Pavee Point seeks to develop innovative responses to Traveller issues and needs.
Nasc
http://nascireland.org/
Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, is a non-governmental organisation that seeks to respond to the needs of immigrants in the area of Cork, Ireland.It aims to contribute to an environment of social inclusion for all communities, based on the principles of equality, social justice and human rights.It provides support and self-development for migrants, individually and collectively, and uses its experiences to promote fair, consistent and transparent policies. It offers one-to-one advice & advocacy and group capacity building and works through policy & campaigning to achieve change.
Amnesty International Ireland
http://www.amnesty.ie
Amnesty International is an international human rights organisation dedicated to upholding the rights enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights, as well as other human rights standards. It undertakes campaigns, research and actions focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.
National Youth Council of Ireland
http://www.youth.ie
The Youth Council is the representative body for national voluntary youth work organisations in Ireland. It uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people and seeks to ensure that all young people are empowered to develop the skills and confidence to fully participate as active citizens in an inclusive society.NYCI gained full social partnership status in 1996. It runs programmes in a number of areas including a Child Protection Unit, Dáil na nÓg, the National Youth Arts Programme and the National Youth Development Education Programme.
National Women's Council of Ireland
http://www.nwci.ie
The NWCI is is the national representative organisation for women and women's groups in Ireland. Its purpose is to achieve women's equality in a society where women and men can participate effectively as citizens in all aspects of social, cultural, economic and political life. It works with its members to determine core priorities and undertakes a broad range of activities at local, national and international levels, such as representing women's issues on a broad range of statutory and non-statutory bodies, commissioning research on key policy areas, developing policy submissions to Government and other agencies, building the capacity of women's organisations, undertaking outreach and development projects and providing tools and resources to support women.
One Family
http://www.onefamily.ie
One Family (formerly Cherish) aims to affect positive change and achieve equality and social inclusion for all one-parent families in Ireland. It achieves this through organising one-parent families nationally, by supporting organisations and others concerned with the issues facing one-parent families; by providing a comprehensive range of professional services to one-parent families, those experiencing a crisis pregnancy and those working with one-parent families; and by campaigning with and on behalf of members to affect positive change for one-parent families.
Volunteering Ireland
http://www.volunteeringireland.ie
Volunteering Ireland promotes voluntary activity by encouraging organisations which involve volunteers to adopt good policy and practice and by acting as a link between such organisations and individuals who wish to undertake meaningful voluntary work. It matches individuals who wish to volunteer with organisations which offer suitable volunteering opportunities.
Age Action Ireland
http://www.ageaction.ie
Age Action Ireland is a national independent organisation on ageing and older people. It acts as a network of organisations and individuals including older people and carers of older people, working to promote better policies and services for older people in an ageing society.
Participation and the Practice of Rights Project
http://www.pprproject.org/
The Participation and the Practice of Rights Project exists to promote awareness of international human rights instruments and standards and support marginalised communities and groups to use them in accessing services and achieving equality. It is a coalition of groups and organisations working on social justice issues in Ireland with emphasis on North Inner City Dublin and North Belfast.
Forum of People with Disabilities
http://www.pwdi.ie/index.htm
Forum of People with Disabilities was formed to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities through lobbying and research, through regional groups concentrating on issues of local importance and through providing open fora where people with disabilities can air their views and set their agendas.
Migrants Rights Centre Ireland
http://www.mrci.ie
The Migrants Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) is a national, rights based voluntary organisation that seeks to contribute to the development of a sustainable, intercultural society which respects and promotes cultural diversity and empowers migrant workers to enjoy their rights and participate fully in all aspects of social, economic cultural and political life in Ireland. It provides advice and information to migrant workers on employment and social rights in Ireland, brings migrant workers together to discuss and take action on issues and it lobbies government to effect positive change in law and policy.
Immigrant Council of Ireland
http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is an independent organisation working with and for immigrants in promoting their rights through information, advocacy and awareness. It provides a free information and legal advice service and produces publications on relevant topics. It also lobbies around immigrant rights issues and works along with other organisations to help promote and secure these rights.
Irish Traveller Movement
http://www.itmtrav.com
The Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community. Irish Traveller Movement consists of a partnership between Travellers and settled people committed to seeking full equality for Travellers in Irish society. It campaigns around four core issues: Accommodation, Education, Equality and Youth.
OPEN - One Parent Network
http://www.oneparent.ie
OPEN is the national network of local lone parent self-help groups. It represents the interests of lone parents (particularly those living in/or at risk of living in poverty) and promotes their inclusion and progression within wider society. It aims to assist member groups in their capacity to provide services to lone parents and to campaign for policy change that recognises family diversity, supports access to appropriate public services and economic independence and improves life quality for lone parents and their children.
Outhouse
http://www.outhouse.ie
Outhouse is the resource and community centre for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities in Dublin, open seven days a week. Its services include a cafe, meeting rooms, information and referral services, a library, internet access and support to community groups & organisations. outhouse is also home to a number of other projects provided by other organisations like the Gay Mens Health Project Outreach Service, BelongTo and Greenbow.
Threshold
http://www.threshold.ie
Threshold is a housing rights organisation that works particularly on behalf of households experiencing poverty and exclusion. It achieves this by campaigning for suitable housing delivered on a rights based approach and by formulating innovative approaches and solutions to existing problems through research and lobbying. Threshold provides a free, independent, confidential professional information, advice and advocacy on housing issues. It also operates Outreach Clinics in some areas of Dublin and in Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Refugee Information Service
http://www.ris.ie
The RIS was established to provide a specialist information, advice, advocacy, and referral service for refugees and asylum-seekers, support the work of community groups and the network of CICs who come into contact with refugees and asylum-seekers and provide information to the general public. The RIS service is free, confidential and independent and is provided on an outreach 'clinic' basis in areas of Dublin and Galway where refugees and asylum-seekers live in significant numbers. Currently the RIS operates seven clinics in Dublin - Rialto, Amiens Street, Green St, Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Rathmines and Manor Street - and two clinics in Galway city.
AIM Family Services
http://www.aimfamilyservices.ie
AIM is a voluntary non-governmental organisation which offers non-directive counselling, legal information, and a family mediation service to people experiencing marital, relationship and family problems. It has published a range of leaflets on legal topics available from its website.
Disability Federation of Ireland
http://www.disability-federation.ie
DFI is the national umbrella body for organisations of and for people with disabilities, which provide a comprehensive range of services to people with a disability, such as information and support services, education, training, housing, accommodation, respite care, para-medical and other professional services.
Center for Independent Living
http://www.dublincil.org
The primary aim of CIL is to empower and enable people with disabilities to achieve independent living, choice and control over their lives and to achieve full and active participation as equal citizens in society. Its main objectives are to provide support for people with disabilities to live and work in the community; to provide a forum for people with disabilities to explore and realise their human, civil, social, political, and economic rights; and to facilitate the raising of disability issues at a local government, state, European, and international level.
Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ)
http://www.caj.org.uk/
The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) was established in 1981 and is an independent non-governmental organisation and affiliated to the International Federation of Human Rights. CAJ seeks to secure the highest standards in the administration of justice in Northern Ireland by ensuring that the government complies with its responsibilities in international human rights law.
Integrating Ireland
http://integratingireland.ie/
Integrating Ireland is an independent network of community and voluntary groups working in mutual solidarity to promote and realise the human rights, equality and full integration in Irish society of asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants. The organisation employs Regional Development Officers in each of its regional networks (Dublin-Kildare, North East & Midlands, South East, South West, Western Alliance) who provide information on regional activities and co-ordinate regional training and support. Regional meetings are held in each network four times a year.
Treoir
http://www.treoir.ie
Treoir is the national federation of statutory and voluntary agencies which provide services for unmarried parents and their children. Its aim is to promote the welfare of and improve the standards of care for unmarried parents and their children. It achieves this through providing an information and referral service, producing relevant publications and resources and promoting research on pertinent topics. It lobbies government and conducts regular conferences and workshops.
Irish Council for Civil Liberties
http://www.iccl.ie
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to promote and defend human rights and civil liberties. While its primary focus is on campaigning on human rights and civil liberties, it also carries out research and makes submissions on legislation as well as monitoring state action.
Gay and Lesbian Equality Network
http://www.glen.ie
GLEN exists in order to achieve full equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in Ireland - and relief from all forms of discrimination and exclusion, direct and indirect. GLEN's agenda follows and was set by extensive discussion within the LGB community about the best way to go forward. GLEN is not involved in direct service delivery, focusing instead on influencing policy and on working strategically and in partnership with mainstream organisations such as government, regulatory authorities, trade unions and other social partners in order to achieve change.
Irish Refugee Council
http://www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie
The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) is an independent non-governmental organisation. It is a membership organisation open to individuals and organisations which support the organisation's aims. The work of the IRC on a national level includes policy, research, legal, networking and information components. The IRC is committed to interculturalism, to facilitating the participation of refugees and asylum-seekers at all levels in the organisation and to following the principles of community development.
http://www.flac.ie/
FLAC is an independent human rights organisation dedicated to the realisation of equal access to justice for all. To this end it campaigns on a range of legal issues but also offers some basic, free legal services to the public. FLAC currently concentrates its work on four main areas: Legal Aid, Social Welfare, Credit & Debt and Public Interest Law. More information on our current work in all these areas is also available in the current campaigns section and in the policy section. You can view a short film by Atlantic Philanthropies, which funds FLAC, about our work and principles.
Pavee Point
http://www.paveepoint.ie
Pavee Point is a partnership of Irish Travellers and settled people working together to improve the lives of Irish Travellers through working towards social justice, solidarity, socio-economic development and human rights. Operating at local, national and international levels, Pavee Point seeks to develop innovative responses to Traveller issues and needs.
Nasc
http://nascireland.org/
Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, is a non-governmental organisation that seeks to respond to the needs of immigrants in the area of Cork, Ireland.It aims to contribute to an environment of social inclusion for all communities, based on the principles of equality, social justice and human rights.It provides support and self-development for migrants, individually and collectively, and uses its experiences to promote fair, consistent and transparent policies. It offers one-to-one advice & advocacy and group capacity building and works through policy & campaigning to achieve change.
Amnesty International Ireland
http://www.amnesty.ie
Amnesty International is an international human rights organisation dedicated to upholding the rights enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights, as well as other human rights standards. It undertakes campaigns, research and actions focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.
National Youth Council of Ireland
http://www.youth.ie
The Youth Council is the representative body for national voluntary youth work organisations in Ireland. It uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people and seeks to ensure that all young people are empowered to develop the skills and confidence to fully participate as active citizens in an inclusive society.NYCI gained full social partnership status in 1996. It runs programmes in a number of areas including a Child Protection Unit, Dáil na nÓg, the National Youth Arts Programme and the National Youth Development Education Programme.
National Women's Council of Ireland
http://www.nwci.ie
The NWCI is is the national representative organisation for women and women's groups in Ireland. Its purpose is to achieve women's equality in a society where women and men can participate effectively as citizens in all aspects of social, cultural, economic and political life. It works with its members to determine core priorities and undertakes a broad range of activities at local, national and international levels, such as representing women's issues on a broad range of statutory and non-statutory bodies, commissioning research on key policy areas, developing policy submissions to Government and other agencies, building the capacity of women's organisations, undertaking outreach and development projects and providing tools and resources to support women.
One Family
http://www.onefamily.ie
One Family (formerly Cherish) aims to affect positive change and achieve equality and social inclusion for all one-parent families in Ireland. It achieves this through organising one-parent families nationally, by supporting organisations and others concerned with the issues facing one-parent families; by providing a comprehensive range of professional services to one-parent families, those experiencing a crisis pregnancy and those working with one-parent families; and by campaigning with and on behalf of members to affect positive change for one-parent families.
Volunteering Ireland
http://www.volunteeringireland.ie
Volunteering Ireland promotes voluntary activity by encouraging organisations which involve volunteers to adopt good policy and practice and by acting as a link between such organisations and individuals who wish to undertake meaningful voluntary work. It matches individuals who wish to volunteer with organisations which offer suitable volunteering opportunities.
Age Action Ireland
http://www.ageaction.ie
Age Action Ireland is a national independent organisation on ageing and older people. It acts as a network of organisations and individuals including older people and carers of older people, working to promote better policies and services for older people in an ageing society.
Participation and the Practice of Rights Project
http://www.pprproject.org/
The Participation and the Practice of Rights Project exists to promote awareness of international human rights instruments and standards and support marginalised communities and groups to use them in accessing services and achieving equality. It is a coalition of groups and organisations working on social justice issues in Ireland with emphasis on North Inner City Dublin and North Belfast.
Forum of People with Disabilities
http://www.pwdi.ie/index.htm
Forum of People with Disabilities was formed to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities through lobbying and research, through regional groups concentrating on issues of local importance and through providing open fora where people with disabilities can air their views and set their agendas.
Migrants Rights Centre Ireland
http://www.mrci.ie
The Migrants Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) is a national, rights based voluntary organisation that seeks to contribute to the development of a sustainable, intercultural society which respects and promotes cultural diversity and empowers migrant workers to enjoy their rights and participate fully in all aspects of social, economic cultural and political life in Ireland. It provides advice and information to migrant workers on employment and social rights in Ireland, brings migrant workers together to discuss and take action on issues and it lobbies government to effect positive change in law and policy.
Immigrant Council of Ireland
http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is an independent organisation working with and for immigrants in promoting their rights through information, advocacy and awareness. It provides a free information and legal advice service and produces publications on relevant topics. It also lobbies around immigrant rights issues and works along with other organisations to help promote and secure these rights.
Irish Traveller Movement
http://www.itmtrav.com
The Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community. Irish Traveller Movement consists of a partnership between Travellers and settled people committed to seeking full equality for Travellers in Irish society. It campaigns around four core issues: Accommodation, Education, Equality and Youth.
OPEN - One Parent Network
http://www.oneparent.ie
OPEN is the national network of local lone parent self-help groups. It represents the interests of lone parents (particularly those living in/or at risk of living in poverty) and promotes their inclusion and progression within wider society. It aims to assist member groups in their capacity to provide services to lone parents and to campaign for policy change that recognises family diversity, supports access to appropriate public services and economic independence and improves life quality for lone parents and their children.
Outhouse
http://www.outhouse.ie
Outhouse is the resource and community centre for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities in Dublin, open seven days a week. Its services include a cafe, meeting rooms, information and referral services, a library, internet access and support to community groups & organisations. outhouse is also home to a number of other projects provided by other organisations like the Gay Mens Health Project Outreach Service, BelongTo and Greenbow.
Threshold
http://www.threshold.ie
Threshold is a housing rights organisation that works particularly on behalf of households experiencing poverty and exclusion. It achieves this by campaigning for suitable housing delivered on a rights based approach and by formulating innovative approaches and solutions to existing problems through research and lobbying. Threshold provides a free, independent, confidential professional information, advice and advocacy on housing issues. It also operates Outreach Clinics in some areas of Dublin and in Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Refugee Information Service
http://www.ris.ie
The RIS was established to provide a specialist information, advice, advocacy, and referral service for refugees and asylum-seekers, support the work of community groups and the network of CICs who come into contact with refugees and asylum-seekers and provide information to the general public. The RIS service is free, confidential and independent and is provided on an outreach 'clinic' basis in areas of Dublin and Galway where refugees and asylum-seekers live in significant numbers. Currently the RIS operates seven clinics in Dublin - Rialto, Amiens Street, Green St, Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Rathmines and Manor Street - and two clinics in Galway city.
AIM Family Services
http://www.aimfamilyservices.ie
AIM is a voluntary non-governmental organisation which offers non-directive counselling, legal information, and a family mediation service to people experiencing marital, relationship and family problems. It has published a range of leaflets on legal topics available from its website.
Disability Federation of Ireland
http://www.disability-federation.ie
DFI is the national umbrella body for organisations of and for people with disabilities, which provide a comprehensive range of services to people with a disability, such as information and support services, education, training, housing, accommodation, respite care, para-medical and other professional services.
Center for Independent Living
http://www.dublincil.org
The primary aim of CIL is to empower and enable people with disabilities to achieve independent living, choice and control over their lives and to achieve full and active participation as equal citizens in society. Its main objectives are to provide support for people with disabilities to live and work in the community; to provide a forum for people with disabilities to explore and realise their human, civil, social, political, and economic rights; and to facilitate the raising of disability issues at a local government, state, European, and international level.
Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ)
http://www.caj.org.uk/
The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) was established in 1981 and is an independent non-governmental organisation and affiliated to the International Federation of Human Rights. CAJ seeks to secure the highest standards in the administration of justice in Northern Ireland by ensuring that the government complies with its responsibilities in international human rights law.
Integrating Ireland
http://integratingireland.ie/
Integrating Ireland is an independent network of community and voluntary groups working in mutual solidarity to promote and realise the human rights, equality and full integration in Irish society of asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants. The organisation employs Regional Development Officers in each of its regional networks (Dublin-Kildare, North East & Midlands, South East, South West, Western Alliance) who provide information on regional activities and co-ordinate regional training and support. Regional meetings are held in each network four times a year.
Treoir
http://www.treoir.ie
Treoir is the national federation of statutory and voluntary agencies which provide services for unmarried parents and their children. Its aim is to promote the welfare of and improve the standards of care for unmarried parents and their children. It achieves this through providing an information and referral service, producing relevant publications and resources and promoting research on pertinent topics. It lobbies government and conducts regular conferences and workshops.
Irish Council for Civil Liberties
http://www.iccl.ie
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties is an independent non-governmental organisation that works to promote and defend human rights and civil liberties. While its primary focus is on campaigning on human rights and civil liberties, it also carries out research and makes submissions on legislation as well as monitoring state action.
Gay and Lesbian Equality Network
http://www.glen.ie
GLEN exists in order to achieve full equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in Ireland - and relief from all forms of discrimination and exclusion, direct and indirect. GLEN's agenda follows and was set by extensive discussion within the LGB community about the best way to go forward. GLEN is not involved in direct service delivery, focusing instead on influencing policy and on working strategically and in partnership with mainstream organisations such as government, regulatory authorities, trade unions and other social partners in order to achieve change.
Irish Refugee Council
http://www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie
The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) is an independent non-governmental organisation. It is a membership organisation open to individuals and organisations which support the organisation's aims. The work of the IRC on a national level includes policy, research, legal, networking and information components. The IRC is committed to interculturalism, to facilitating the participation of refugees and asylum-seekers at all levels in the organisation and to following the principles of community development.