Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Human Rights Commission.

Alan Shatter

Question:

404 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of permanent staff currently available to the Human Rights Commission; the total expenditure incurred in 2001; the total expenditure incurred in 2002 to date, relating to the work of the Human Rights Commission; the number of permanent staff positions which have been created and are presently vacant relating to the Commission; and when it is expected these positions will be filled. [9756/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

No permanent staff have yet been employed by the Human Rights Commission and, apart from the position of chief executive officer, no permanent staff positions have been created by it. The total expenditure by the Commission in 2001 and this year to date was €0.278 million and €0.063 million respectively.

It is expected that the Commission will be in a position very soon to appoint its chief executive officer as, a person having been selected by the Commission, only the final details concerning, principally, contract and remuneration have yet to be finalised. It has always been the intention that the question of the Commission's staffing structure and, following on from that, its permanent staffing complement, will be considered as soon as possible after the appointment of, and in conjunction with, the chief executive.