§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the new members of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights have been(a) SDLP members and (b) members of a Unionist party in the last five years; and if she will make a statement about the political balance of the Commission. [22905]
§ Marjorie MowlamOne member of the Commission declared an association with the SDLP. Mr. Robert Mullan was a member from 1987 to 1993. None have declared being members of a Unionist party in the last five years.
The new Commission widely represents the political and community balance in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who are the members of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights; what is the perceived religious affiliation of each; which members have been identified as having, or having had, an association with a political party; and what other paid public appointments each holds. [22910]
§ Marjorie MowlamThe Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights membership is as follows:
- Mr. Michael Lavery QC
- Mr. Bob Cooper
- Mr. Gerry Burns
- Ms Joan Smyth
- Mr. Paul Donaghy
- Mr. Leslie Allamby
- Mr. Robert Osborne
- Mr. Robin Wilson
- Ms Angela Hegarty
- Mr. Ivan Topping
636 - Mr. Robert Mullan
- Mrs Margaret-Anne Dinsmore
- Ms Clodach McGrory.
It is the Government's policy not to release the religious affiliation of each member, however the Commission has five catholics, seven protestants and one not known.
The Commission has two members who have declared an association with a political party. Ms Angela Hegarty stood for the NI Forum Election in 1996 for the Womens Coalition and Mr. Robert Mullan was a member of the SDLP from 1987 to 1993.
Mrs. Margaret-Anne Dinsmore holds two paid public appointments:- the NI Commissioner for the rights of Trade Union members, and the NI Commissioner for protection against Unlawful Industrial Action for which she receives £11,400 per annum in total.