Gay Mitchell
Question:353 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if care has been taken to ensure that those who are appointed to the Human Rights Commission are suitable in every respect. [29203/00]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Commission.
I refer the Deputy to my written answer to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 6 December last regarding the names of those offered appointment to the Human Rights Commission.
I advised delegates at a Conference on Human Rights in Dublin Castle over the weekend, that the Government, having regard to the recommendations of the selection committee, took some time to ensure that the balance of skills and representation on the commission was, in its view, the best that could be achieved in line with the statutory and international criteria that are relevant in the case of national institutions of this type.Colour RGB 0,0,128 Following on from this considerationColour RGB 0,0,128, the Government is putting in place a commission that will cover as wide a spectrum of interests in the human rights sphere as possible, to satisfy the requirement of representation as set out so clearly in the enabling legislation. Of necessity, that Government decision required that a choice be made by reference to a range of considerations, and I believe that the combination of expertise that the selected people will bring to the task will ensure that the public generally, in all its diversity, will be well served in terms of human rights and protection.
However, as I also said at the conference, I am taking the views of the NGOs on board with a view to addressing their concerns.