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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 2

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

126 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and its powers and resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21543/02]

In the Westminster legislation establishing the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, a review clause was included under which the commission would make a report to the Secretary of State after two years, setting out recommendations on its effectiveness; the adequacy and effectiveness of its functions; and the adequacy and effectiveness of the Acts provisions.

The commission was established in March 1999 and submitted its report to the Secretary of State in March 2001. The British Government published its draft response in May 2002, which was open to consultation until 16 August 2002. The British Government is currently considering its response to that consultation exercise. The Government has discussed this matter with the British Government through the framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, and put forward a detailed submission on its views in August 2002. In addition, I raised the broad area of human rights with the former Secretary of State, Dr Reid, at the last meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 22 October. We have made clear our view that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission should fully comply with the UN principles relating to the status and functioning of national institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights – Paris principles. These principles outline internationally approved standards for the status of national human rights institutions.

I have noted the concerns expressed by some former members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission regarding its powers and resources and have scheduled a meeting with them in the near future to discuss these issues.

Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 99.
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