The first item on the agenda is the election of a chairman, for which I invite nominations.
Election of Chairman.
Clerk to Joint Committee
I propose Senator Paul Bradford.
I second that nomination.
Clerk to Committee
Are there any other nominations? As there are no other nominations, I call on Senator Bradford to take the chair.
Clerk to Committee
Senator Paul Bradford took the Chair.
I thank the sub-committee for appointing me to this position. I cannot say it comes as a surprise because, of course, it is not a complete political shock. I thank my proposer and seconder, Deputies Davern and Higgins, respectively. Apologies have been received from Deputies Carey and Quinn.
I welcome the members of the sub-committee and look forward to working with them over the coming years - I am not at liberty to say "five more years" - in an effective and enthusiastic fashion. I wish to pay tribute to the members of the outgoing sub-committee which, at various stages, was chaired by Deputies Gay Mitchell and Jim O'Keeffe and worked very effectively. In following in the footsteps of our predecessors, I anticipate that we will build on their valuable work which focused very much on certain human rights issues, including the rights of women and children, minorities, prisoners and persons with disabilities.
Under the sub-committee's order of reference, our work is scheduled to focus on two areas: No. 1, aspects of international human rights which may be referred to us by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and, No. 2, the role of the United Nations in the field of human rights. As one might expect, there is a potential for overlap between the work of this sub-committee and that of the joint committee and the Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation. It is my intention to have ongoing discussions with the other chairmen to avoid any such difficulties and bring forward a draft programme of work to our next meeting, for which I will invite submissions from members of this sub-committee. Past experience indicates that we will meet once every four weeks, subject to any alterations which may be required. Our meetings will normally take place during a week in which neither the joint committee nor the other sub-committee are meeting. Do members wish to make any comment?
Is it intended that our meetings will normally take place at 10 a.m. on a Thursday morning? A Thursday afternoon meeting would not suit rural Deputies, having regard to increased journey times nowadays.
I agree with that suggestion. I wish our Chairman every success during his term of office.
Thank you. I will bring forward our proposal on our preference to meet on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. to the working group of chairpersons and I will report back as soon as possible. Are there any other comments?
A precedent has been set over the years whereby this sub-committee visits Geneva at least once a year, usually when the Human Rights Commission is in session which, I believe, is during March and April. That provides an opportunity for the sub-committee to update itself on human rights issues, Geneva being at the centre of human rights activities. Meetings have also taken place with the UN High Commissioner for human rights and refugee issues, with the International Red Cross and other international organisations, usually involving an overnight stay. I recommend that we maintain that precedent.
I agree entirely with Senator Mooney, with one slight modification. To get best value from such a visit, one should pick a particular theme, such as the issue of child workers or child soldiers, for example. Otherwise, a more general meeting can become a mere formality. Meetings with the Red Cross have never been as interesting or exciting as people might expect in terms of useful discussions, as distinct from the museum aspect. By setting a specific theme in advance and arranging to meet the relevant group or individuals, a visit will be much more productive.
I should draw the attention of the sub-committee to the fact that, to put it mildly, financial resources are stretched almost beyond the limit. However, I will consult with the chairman of the joint committee on the request for a visit to Geneva.
He may need to have a word with the Minister for Finance.
I understand that any proposal from this sub-committee in relation to travel requires endorsement by the joint committee in any event.
One should not allow oneself to be defeated by a lack of money. A sense of excitement is important.
I am advised that the working group of chairpersons is arranging a meeting with the Minister for Finance to discuss financial requirements across the committee programme. Perhaps that will lead to some progress. In the meantime, we will progress Senator Mooney's suggestion as effectively as we can.
On the issue of costs, business travel can be arranged much more cheaply on the Internet than through the Oireachtas system. For example, a business class return flight to the USA can be obtained at €1,000, as compared to €2,500 or €3,000 through the Oireachtas agency. Perhaps our travel agency needs to look into that.
I understand that the contract with the travel agency currently used by the Oireachtas is due to expire on 1 June and there is a tender procedure for future services in that regard. I note Deputy Davern's comments and, from my own experience on various committees over the years, one sometimes wonders if we are getting the best value for money.
Yesterday, some of us were arranging to travel to a certain venue in England on 12 March.
A very large conference, I understand.
Yes, a major event attracting over a quarter of a million people. The price quoted by Aer Lingus for a day trip was €400 return. We got it on the Internet for €177 return on the same Aer Lingus flight.
I have been trying to get my children to do that for years.
I congratulate you, Chairman, and wish you and your colleagues well.
Is there a proposal with regard to the appointment of a vice-chairman?
I am at the behest of the committee on that.