Vol. 550 No. 2
501 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made since 21 February on the appointment of a chief executive of the Human Rights Commission and its operating on a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7877/02]
The Human Rights Commission was established on 25 July 2001 following the enactment of amending legislation to increase the number of commissioners from nine to 15 in line with a Government decision of December 2000. Last October the commission advertised the chief executive officer post in the national press and the selection phase of recruitment has recently been completed. The drawing up of terms and conditions of contract are now under consideration.
I am anxious that the matter be finalised as expeditiously as possible and I expect the process to be completed over the coming weeks. Once the chief executive officer is in place the matter of agreeing appropriate staffing structures and recruitment of staff can commence so that the commission can carry out its responsibilities as enshrined in legislation.
