Written answer
Equality Issues
The Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism is an administrative, independent role established under the 2023–27 National Action Plan Against Racism. Dr Ebun Joseph was appointed through an open competition for four years from July 2024; responsibility transferred to the Department of Justice in May 2025, with applicable terms of reference and conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements.
395. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to set out the process by which the Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism was appointed; the term of the appointment; and whether the role is established on a statutory or an administrative basis. [67966/26]
Comment on this
396. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration which Department and Minister currently hold responsibility for the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism; and to set out the reporting and oversight arrangements that apply to the role. [67965/26]
Comment on this
397. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the declaration of interest and conflict of interest safeguards that apply to the Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism, having regard to any concurrent professional, commercial or advocacy activities of the office holder in the area of anti-racism training and consultancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67969/26]
Comment on this
399. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a code of conduct, terms of reference or standards of office apply to the Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism; and the procedure by which a member of the public may raise a concern or complaint regarding the office. [67968/26]
Comment on this
400. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total cost to the Exchequer of the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism in each year since its establishment, including any fees, expenses or supports paid to the office holder; and the source of that funding. [67967/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 395, 396, 397, 399 and 400 together.
The role of Special Rapporteur on Racial Equality and Racism was established on an administrative basis as part of the monitoring, oversight and review framework of the National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR) 2023-2027. Dr Ebun Joseph was appointed as the Special Rapporteur for Racial Equality and Racism on 2 July 2024 for a four-year term following an open competition managed by the Public Appointments Service.
The role involves monitoring progress towards the objectives of the NAPAR, considering matters relating to racial equality more broadly, and producing an annual report which may also be submitted to the relevant Oireachtas Committee. The Special Rapporteur also chairs the Advisory Committee on Racial Equality and Racism.
Responsibility for the implementation of the NAPAR, including the Special Rapporteur function, transferred from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to my Department on 1 May 2025.
The Special Rapporteur operates independently of my Department. As with other public appointments, the Special Rapporteur is required to comply with the applicable Terms of Reference of the role, including disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.
In relation to costs to the Exchequer, total cost to date was provided to the Deputy on 7 September 2026 (PQ60899/26).