I can inform the Deputy that in June of this year expressions of interest were sought from suitably qualified and experienced persons for nomination as Ireland's representative to the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). Advertisements were placed on the websites of my Department and the Public Appointments Service with the criteria for selection having regard to the requirements of the CPT for nomination.
Forty three expressions of interest have been received. An evaluation of the applications by a short listing panel will be undertaken shortly. 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 with the previous nomination process in 2011, which was highly commended at the time by the Council of Europe, an invitation to submit expressions of interest was recently advertised on the websites of my Department and the Public Appointments Service. It was open to anyone to apply and 43 applications were received.
The panel's composition has now been finalised and will be comprised of three independent representatives and one Departmental Official.
The panel will be asked to review the applications received and draw up a shortlist of the most suitable applicants having regard to the requirements of the CPT. That list will be submitted to me and I will then consult with the Parliamentary Delegation of Ireland to the Council of Europe (PACE) before deciding on the 3 nominees to be put forward. Once the three candidates have been identified and approved by me, they must also be endorsed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
It will then be a matter for the Council of Europe to decide which nominee should be appointed.
I trust this clarifies the position.
