ICCL Statement on the Programme for Government

16 January 2025 — The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) is analysing the commitments made within the prospective new government’s draft Programme for Government, which was published yesterday (15 January 2025). 

ICCL’s work is, and always has been, focused on protecting human rights and civil liberties in Ireland. Over the term of this government, we will continue to advocate for measures, policies and laws which enshrine and respect the rights of everyone in Ireland. 

From an initial analysis, it is clear that this document outlines proposed measures which would infringe on people’s rights, including in areas where we have campaigned actively since our foundation in 1976. We will continue to highlight how these measures – including the retention of the Special Criminal Court, expansion of police powers, banning face coverings at protest, restrictions on movement of people seeking international protection in Ireland and the introduction of live facial recognition technology and artificial intelligence into Irish policing – contradict the human rights obligations on the State.  

Alongside this work, we will advocate positively for more inclusive and human rights-based policies and laws to bring about true equality and prosperity for everyone in Ireland. While noting that the devil will be in the detail, we are heartened to see broad commitments to tackle the use of recommender algorithms, to implement the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill, to comprehensively review the criminal justice system, to establish a modern, fit-for-purpose Coroner Service, to update the ethics in public office legislation, to address the legacy of the Troubles, and to invest in the Data Protection Commission so that it can effectively deliver on its mandate. 

Speaking today, Claire Mc Evoy, Acting Co-Director, ICCL, said: 

“Human rights and democracy are under attack around the world. The next government will face significant pressure and challenges at home and abroad, but we must remember that human rights are legally binding State obligations which should be front and centre in policy-making. 

“Ireland has long positioned itself as a global human rights leader. Now is the time to live up to this reputation and lead by example. With unprecedented resources at its disposal, it is crucial that government adopts an ambitious, forward-looking approach to meeting the needs and protecting the rights of Ireland’s growing and diverse population, including its most vulnerable members.  

“ICCL will monitor new laws and policy over the next five years, and work with government and all elected representatives in the new Oireachtas to ensure that the rights of everyone in Ireland are enshrined and respected.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

Read ICCL’s general election manifesto, which was published in November and set out 37 measures – nine of them high-priority – to protect civil liberties and human rights in Ireland.