Vol. 567 No. 7
55 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the findings of the recent human rights commission report; the way in which this report will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14854/03]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Irish Human Rights Commission's strategy plan for 2003 – 2006, Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in Irish Society. The document, published in April, outlines the guidelines under which the Commission operates and sets out the key areas of work on which the Commission proposes to focus over the next four years. The implementation of its plan is a matter for the Commission itself.
As the Deputy is aware the Human Rights Commission is a statutorily constituted independent body, established under the Human Rights Commission Acts of 2000 and 2001. In accordance with the legislation, the mandate of the Human Rights Commission is primarily to promote and protect human rights within the State; as such, most of the issues it will seek to address fall outside the remit of my Department.
At the same time, a number of the issues which the Commission highlights in its strategy plan derive from the Good Friday Agreement, have an international dimension, or are of considerable importance in Ireland's human rights foreign policy. I welcome the Commission's interest in these areas, and will give careful consideration to any views or recommendations which it may wish to convey to me on these issues.
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 54. Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 34.
