asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date with regard to the operation of the Human Rights Commission; the number of staff now employed by the commission; the budget allocated to it for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2903/03]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Commission.
26.
In July 2001 the commission was formally appointed following the enactment of the Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act 2001. Its initial focus has been mainly concentrated on the establishment of the commission as an effective human rights institution having regard to its extensive remit and functions under the founding legislation.
One of the key principles underlying the commission's independence is that it has full control over the recruitment of its own staff, subject only to general Government policy. As part of its start-up phase the commission undertook the following: consideration of its staffing structure, numbers, grading and pay, and, in particular, how it would proceed with the selection of its chief executive; selection of a suitable permanent premises and related issues; drawing up a work programme and identification of priorities; conducting research on particular subjects, vis-à-vis children with disabilities – exploring multiple identities and treatment of elderly persons in long-term nursing homes; preparing submissions on promised legislation such as the European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001, and proposals for a new Garda inspectorate and complaints body; establishment of the joint committee of representatives with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement and the Human Rights Commission Act 2000, and work arising from that commitment including, in particular, the question of establishing a charter on rights protection on an all Ireland basis; and recording of details of matters raised in correspondence for further examination and evaluation.
The commission initially appointed three temporary administrative staff. A chief executive was appointed in June 2002 following a selection process. The commission's immediate permanent staffing structure was settled fairly quickly thereafter and it is now in the final stages of recruiting ten heads of senior staff. It is possible that further staff will be required but the commission has not yet given me any indication of its wishes in this regard. The budgetary allocation for the commission for 2003 is €1.28 million.