The chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has been recognised as a distinguished member of Irish society with an honorary doctorate from Maynooth University.

Emily Logan, who was appointed the first chief commissioner of the organisation in 2014, yesterday received the honour at a ceremony that also conferred more than 1,150 students with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Professor Philip Nolan, president of Maynooth University, congratulated the graduates on their achievements and said the recipients of honorary doctorates reflect the ethos of the conferring institution and how it positions itself in the world.

An honorary doctorate was presented to Ms Logan as well as internationally recognised philosopher Professor William Desmond.

Professor Nolan said: “Driven by our world-class research and outstanding teaching, an education at Maynooth University prepares our students for both work and life.

“Our community of researchers are dedicated to expanding the boundaries of knowledge and positively affecting the world in which we live – very much like the two people we honour today.”

He added: “Emily Logan, throughout her career, has furthered the causes of the most vulnerable in society. Her work on behalf of children, in particular, has seen their rights greatly enhanced.”