Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 3

Written Answers. - Human Rights Commission.

Seán Ryan

Question:

64 Mr. S. Ryan 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 the commission for 2003; the services the commission is currently offering to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28258/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I refer the Deputy to my replies to similar questions on this matter on 6 February, 12 March, 13 May and 15 October 2003.

The Human Rights Commission is at an advanced stage of recruiting the final member of its administrative staff, which will bring to ten the staffing complement requested by it. The chief executive of the commission was appointed in June 2002.

The commission recently moved to its new permanent office accommodation which is located in Jervis House, Jervis Street, Dublin 1, and that will be a crucial factor which will enhance its capability to provide services to the public in line with its wide statutory mandate and remit, as outlined in section 8 of the Human Rights Commission Act 2000. In that regard, I direct the Deputy's attention to the commission's First Strategic Plan 2003-2006, published on 31 March 2003. The plan sets out the areas of work on which the commission proposes to focus during the next four years and is a key document in the process of the commission's ongoing consultation and dialogue.

The commission's budget for 2003 as published is €1.28 million. However, it also received an additional once-off payment of €536,000 this year to assist it in the acquisition of its new premises.