9. (1) There shall stand established on the establishment day, a body which shall be known, in the Irish language as Coimisiún na hÉireann um Chearta an Duine agus Comhionannas or, in the English language, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (in this Act referred to as the “Commission”), to perform the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.

(2) The Commission shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be independent in the performance of its functions.

(3) Notwithstanding the generality of subsection (2), the Commission shall in the performance of its functions have regard to, and be guided by, best international practice applicable to national human rights institutions and to equality bodies.

(4) The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and an official seal and shall have power to sue, and may be sued, in its corporate name, and shall, with the consent of the Minister given with the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform have the power to acquire, hold and dispose of land or an interest in land, and shall have the power to acquire, hold and dispose of any other property.

(5) The seal of the Commission shall be authenticated by the signatures of—

(a) the Chief Commissioner, or another member of the Commission authorised by it to act on its behalf, and

(b) a member of staff of the Commission authorised by it to act in that behalf.

(6) Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal of the Commission and any document purporting to be an instrument made by, and to be sealed with the seal of, the Commission shall, unless the contrary is shown, be received in evidence and be deemed to be such an instrument without further proof.