Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 4

Written Answers. - Human Rights Committee.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

84 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, made on the establishment of the Joint Standing Committee on Human Rights; and if he will consider the inclusion of Burma Action Ireland on this committee. [3277/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The White Paper on Foreign Policy, Challenges and Opportunities Abroad, examined, inter alia, the increasing importance of the role of NGOs in the formulation of Ireland's foreign policy in the human rights field. Paragraph 8.75 indicated that contract that between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the NGO community on the human rights aspects of foreign policy had become so intensive that it had been decided to establish a formal framework for a regular exchange of views between the Department and representatives of the NGO community. The White Paper indicated that a joint standing committee representing the Department, NGOs and experts in the human rights field was therefore being established.

The Department has been working actively on preparation of the establishment of the committee and research into its possible structure and working methods is almost complete.

In this regard, my Department has had contact with a number of foreign ministries who have similar or related structures with a view to determining the format best suited to our needs and to allow for the fullest possible exchange of views and ideas on human rights issues, without restricting the intensive consultation that already exists informally. It is intended that the committee will have its first meeting within the coming weeks.

Decisions have not yet been taken in regard to the membership of the committee but I can assure the Deputy that the inclusion of Burma Action Ireland will be given full consideration.