Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act provides the legal basis for equality duties in the Republic of Ireland by obliging public authorities in their daily work:

(a) To eliminate discrimination,

(b) Promote equality of opportunity and treatment of its staff and the persons to whom it provides services, and

(c) Protect the human rights of its members, staff and the persons to whom it provides services.

In order to adhere to these obligations, all public bodies are required to take certain measures. First, 'Strategic Plans' are to be created. When developing these plans human rights and equality issues  that may be relevant in their area have to be identified and assessed. When doing so the public function and its purpose as well as its size and the resources of the institution must always be taken into account. Then the public institutions need to develop strategies to counter these problems. In the next step, they are required to report annually on how successful the strategies developed have been.

In addition, Section 42 stipulates that the legally established Human Rights and Equal Treatment Commission must assist and supervise the authorities in the implementation of their duties.