Human Rights Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2006

Wednesday, 8 March 2006

Ceisteanna (179)

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

176 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the Irish Human Rights Commission is in need of reform in view of the fact that the decisions made by it on applications for assistance in human rights matters are taken by one person, the chief executive officer, in private and with no process of appeal; if he intends to amend same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9622/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Human Rights Commission was established under the Human Rights Commission Acts 2000 and 2001 in line with the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement on Northern Ireland. Under those Acts, the commission is a fully independent national human rights institution and as such, it is not accountable or answerable to me in relation to its procedures or the conduct of its operations.