Before I can proceed to make the formal establishment day order under section 3 of the Human Rights Commission Act, 2000, amending legislation is first required to provide for an increase in the number of persons on the commission from nine, as provided for in the Act, to 15 to take account of the Government's decision to appoint six additional members. I have discussed the concerns expressed by the president of the commission with him, and he has received my assurance that this matter will be dealt with during the current parliamentary session. The way should then be clear to place the commission on a full statutory basis immediately. The commission has been meeting as an interim body since the beginning of the year to consider its staffing-accommodation requirements and other issues related to its functions.
Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 70.