Human Rights and Equality Commissions

HC Deb 20 January 1999 vol 323 cc488-9W

18. Ms Moran

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made in the establishment of(a) the Human Rights Commission and (b) the Equality Commission. [64872]

Mr. Paul Murphy

Interviews for the post of Chief Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission were held on 6 and 8 January, interviews for the posts of Commissioner will begin on 21 January. The Secretary of State announced earlier this week that the Chief Commissioner designate is Professor Sidney Brice Dickson of the University of Ulster. A further announcement on the appointment of commissioners will be made at a later date.

A Working Group, comprising the Chairs and Chief Executives of each of the four existing bodies, along with a staff representative, has been established to consider and recommend on the shape and structure of the future Equality Commission. The group is chaired by Dr. Joan Stringer. It is due to report in stages in January. Ministers have asked for the group's early views on Commission posts and will proceed with the appointment process as soon as those views have been received.

28. Mr. McWalter

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made in the establishment of the(a) Human Rights Commission and (b) Equality Commission. [64882]

Mr. Paul Murphy

Interviews for the post of Chief Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission were held on 6 and 8 January; interviews for the post of Commissioners will begin on 21 January. The Secretary of State announced earlier this week that she has appointed Professor Sidney Brice Dickson as Chief Commissioner designate, a further announcement on the appointment of commissioners will be made at a later date. There has been a very good response to both advertisements and my right hon. Friend expects to be able to appoint a powerful commission.

A Working Group comprising the Chairs and Chief Executives of each of the four existing bodies, along with a staff representative, has been established to consider and recommend on the shape and structure of the future Equality Commission. The group is chaired by Dr. Joan Stringer. It is due to report in stages in January. Ministers have asked for the group's early views on Commission posts and will proceed with the appointment process as soon as those views have been received.