I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 302 together.
Work on the establishment of a human rights commission, with a mandate and remit equivalent to that of the proposed human rights commission in Northern Ireland, is currently under way in my Department. In this regard, I hope to be in a position to bring heads of a Bill to Government in the near future. While, strictly speaking, it is not an essential requirement, I hope that it may be possible for both commissions to become operational at roughly the same time.
As referred to in my reply to a question on 25 June 1998, this work has involved extensive contact and co-operation with relevant agencies in the neighbouring jurisdiction in view of the commonality of the commitments entered into by both Governments in this area. My Department will, of course, take note of any views expressed by other interested groups in regard to the proposed commission. A meeting has already taken place at official level with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to discuss the proposals in broad outline. Furthermore, my Department has already been in contact with organisations which have a particular interest in this area. The Deputy can be assured that the opportunity for a full debate on the proposed legislation will be afforded the House at the appropriate time.
I assure the Deputy that due regard is being paid to the Paris Principles in the context of my deliberations on the proposed human rights commission.
