Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2014
569. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a list of previous Irish members of the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment indicating if any of them previously held a position in her Department; and, if so, outlining the position. [30777/14]
View answerFrom the records available I can advise the Deputy that the following were the previous Irish members to the Council of Europe Committee on the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).
- Mr. Michael Mellett
- Mr. John Olden
- Mr. Tim Dalton
- Mr. Sean Aylward
Members of the CPT do not receive a salary. They are chosen from among persons of high moral character who are known for their competence in the field of human rights or having professional experience in the areas covered by the Convention such as prisons, law enforcement, immigration etc.
Mr. Mellett was a serving official of my Department when appointed and subsequently re-appointed to the CPT. Mr Olden was a former official of my Department at the time of his appointment while Mr. Dalton and Mr. Aylward had retired from my Department prior to their appointments.
The Deputy may wish to note that expressions of interest were sought through public advertisement in June this year from suitably qualified and experienced persons for nomination as Ireland's new representative to the CPT. Three individuals will be selected as the Irish nominees in line with the procedures for nomination to the CPT.
It will then be a matter for the Council of Europe to decide which nominee should be appointed.
The following information was provided under Standing Order 40A
As I made clear in my reply to the Parliamentary Question, all those mentioned had served jn my Department.
Mr. Mellett was a serving Assistant Secretary in my Department during his time as a CPT member. Mr. John Olden had served as an Assistant Secretary in my Department some ten years prior to his service on the CPT.
I trust this clarifies the position.
