State Bodies Mergers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Ceisteanna (469)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

469. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the merger of the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50947/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

As the Deputy will recall, I published the General Scheme of a Bill to replace the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission with a new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission on 5 June 2012. The Bill is currently being drafted and it is intended to have the legislation in place early next year. In parallel, arrangements are being made to select members of the new Commission. This is being handled by an independent Selection Panel set up for that purpose. Advertisements inviting applications were published last Sunday, with a deadline of 29 November for submission of applications. The successful applicants will be appointed to the two existing bodies, pending enactment of the necessary legislation to effect the merger. This will ensure that the two organisations can start to operate as a cohesive whole, with a transition programme being prepared and put in place, that the board(s) can commence preparing a Strategic Plan for the new body and that work can be taken forward rapidly on the staffing review envisaged in the Working Group report.

I can also inform the Deputy that a group of officials, led by the Secretary General, met with the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) in October. This was a very positive meeting and addressed fully all the issues and concerns raised previously by the High Commissioner.

The OHCHR consider that Ireland has engaged in a good process in the development of the new Commission; has full confidence that the Government is approaching the issue in the right way and considers our approach as a best practice model for other countries.

The OHCHR welcomed the approach taken in the draft legislation of having two definitions of human rights and will encourage other countries to adopt this approach.