Heydi Foster, CEO of Exchange House National Travellers Service, has been appointed by Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, as a designate member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Heydi is one of 14 people selected by an independent selection panel.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter said, "In October 2011, the Government agreed in principle to merge the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority into an enhanced Human Rights and Equality Commission. The purpose of this change is to promote human rights and equality issues in a more efficient, effective and coherent way. The objective of this body will be to champion human rights, including the right to equality.

"Legislation to set up the new body is expected to be published before the end of the summer term and, in the meantime, the members of the new Commission will take up their positions on the two existing bodies that are being merged, the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission. This will both fill the existing gap at ‘board’ level in the two organisations and ensure that the two organisations can begin operating as a cohesive whole."

Once the new legislation is enacted, Heydi will be appointed to IHREC for a term of 3 years.

The Board of Management of Exchange House would like to offer Heydi their congratulations on her appointment, wishing her every success and support in her role as Commissioner. They would also like to extend their congratulations to David Joyce BL on his appointment to the IHREC.

Further information can be found at the

Department of Justice and Equality's website