asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government will appoint a small expert committee to recommend the names of three candidates to be nominated for election by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe to the European Court of Human Rights; and if the Dáil will be given an opportunity of approving of the three candidates to be so nominated; and, if not, if he will state the method proposed by the Government for making the selection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Court of Human Rights.
The whole question of the establishment of the European Court of Human Rights, and of the way in which the provisions for the nomination and election of its members are to be implemented, is still under consideration within the Council of Europe. These matters are being studied by the Government. It would therefore be premature to come to any decision regarding the method of nomination of candidates.
When the Government have reached a decision, will they communicate it to the Dáil?
I presume so.
The question asked if the Dáil will be given an opportunity of approving of the three candidates nominated.
That has not been decided and, indeed, my personal view is that we will find it difficult to get candidates who will submit themselves readily.
There is the danger that one may get candidates who will submit themselves, when, in fact, their qualifications to act on such a Court will not be subject to examination.