Human Rights Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2011

Thursday, 1 December 2011

Questions (39)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

38 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under the UN Paris Principles the Irish Human Rights Commission holds an A status rating, meaning it must be appropriately mandated and financially secure; and his plans for how the proposed merged body of the IHRC and the Equality Authority would work effectively with less resources. [37914/11]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to my statement when I announced the Government's plan to merge the Human Rights Commission and Equality Authority earlier this year. At that time I stated that the new Human Rights and Equality Commission will unequivocally keep faith with the UN Paris Principles on national human rights institutions. The position has not changed since I made that statement.