Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 5

Written Answers. - Human Rights Commission.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

59 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, made with regard to the establishment of the human rights commission as provided for in the British-Irish Agreement; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that appointments have already been made to the parallel commission in Northern Ireland; if he will ensure that the legislation is published and enacted before the first anniversary of the Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3039/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Work on the establishment of a human rights commission is continuing as a matter of priority. Heads of the Bill have been circulated to all Departments and the Attorney General for observations and I intend to bring draft heads of a Bill to the Government very shortly.

The Deputy will be aware that the heads of the Bill, when approved by the Government, will be referred to two Dáil committees for consideration, the Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights and the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution.

My Department has been informed of progress on the parallel commission in Northern Ireland. So far one appointment to that commission has been made.