The Government has appointed a new board for the Equality Authority headed up by chairwoman Dr Angela Kerins.
Dr Kerins is currently chair of the National Disability Authority and Chief Executive of the Rehab Group.
The Minister of State with responsibility for Equality issues, Sean Power, wished the new board well in their work over the coming four years.
"The authority has a lead role to play in contributing to a society where diversity is valued, and where those experiencing discrimination can instead experience and enjoy equality and inclusion", he said.
The other new members of the board are: Nigel Brander of People with Disabilities Ireland; Sean Fogarty, outgoing chair of Munster Council GAA; Frank Goodwin, chairman of the Carers' Association; Salome Mbugua, national director of the African Women's Network of Ireland; Niall McCutcheon, principal officer, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Ellen Mongan, National Traveller Monitoring Advisory Committee; Theresa Murphy, chairwoman of the National Women's Council of Ireland; Betty O'Leary, barrister and member of the National Disability Authority and Kieran Rose, chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network.
Mr Power said he would make further appointments shortly, including two people to be nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and two people to be nominated by employers' group Ibec.
The Equality Authority works towards the elimination of discrimination and promotes equality.