Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2008
308 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to ensure that the Irish Human Rights Commission is not in danger of going broke as its chairperson reported to the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on 15 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27942/08]
View answer309 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the level of funding for the Irish Human Rights Commission is adequate in view of its remit, the growing population here and the fact that its equivalent, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has near matching funding despite having to deal with only one third of the population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27943/08]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.
In 2008 the Irish Human Rights Commission has been allocated Grant-in Aid of €2,092,000, which is a 3% increase on the Grant-in–Aid provided in 2007. As is the case of all such Government agencies, there are no proposals for additional funding in 2008. My departmental officials who have responsibility for budgetary matters across the Justice Sector are also in communication with the Commission with a view it ensuring that all efficiencies are maximised so as to enable it to remain within its allocated budget.
