§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will consider the entrenchment of individual and minority rights through a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and supervision by the new CSCE high commissioner for minorities, with effective rights of intercession conferred upon the Republic's Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 5 March 1993]: The Government are firmly committed to the protection of human rights in Northern Ireland and substantial protection is already in place. The Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights exists to advise the Government on the adequacy and effectiveness of human rights provisions in Northern Ireland. Human rights is among those issues which may be raised by the Republic's Government in the intergovernmental conference. The question of possible further measures to enhance the protection of human rights was considered by the Northern Ireland political parties during last year's political talks. I hope that it will soon be possible to hold further talks to continue to consider what part the protection of human rights might play in any comprehensive settlement.