Details of plans to replace the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission with a new merged body have been announced by the Government.
The scheme provides for strengthened powers and functions for the new commission, including an effective power of inquiry.
The new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission will seek accreditation with the United Nations as Ireland's National Human Rights Institution.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, co-ordinator of the Equality and Rights Alliance Rachel Mullen raised concerns that the new commission may be prevented from carrying out its functions due to a lack of funding.
She called for clarification on the issue from Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.
She said: "We need to be aware that these two bodies were very disproportionately cut in relation to other public sector and semi-state bodies, and the equality authority has had accumulative budget cuts of 49% over the past four years and the Human Rights Commission of 40%.”
Mr Shatter told Morning Ireland that there is a need for a more comprehensive approach to dealing with human rights issues.
He said: ''Part of the objective here is to use resources more wisely to the benefit of ensuring that we address human rights and equality issues more effectively.
''The new arrangements will save €500,000 per annum, which can now be used for the core objective of the new body.''
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has welcomed the news of the merger.
