§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken by the Northern Ireland Office to prepare for the implementation 7W of the Human Rights Act 1998 in Northern Ireland; and what specific training opportunities have been organised. [103824]
§ Mr. George Howarth[holding answer 19 January 2000]: The Human Rights Unit in the Northern Ireland Office co-ordinates the Department's preparations for the implementation of the Human Rights Act.
A human rights seminar, organised by the Northern Ireland Office, was held in June 1999. It involved the main criminal justice organisations and players in Northern Ireland, including non-statutory bodies. Its aim was to generate a heightened awareness of issues surrounding the Human Rights Act, contribute to a common understanding of the issues and provide an opportunity to discuss new concerns and discern where a common approach was required.
The Northern Ireland Office has also explored any vulnerabilities in legislation and action has been taken—or will be taken—wherever necessary.
Senior officials and other key staff have attended half-day awareness sessions run by The Queen's University, Belfast. Legal groups are also working with the University to provide more in-depth seminars to legal staff in the Department of the Director of Prosecutions for Northern Ireland and the Crown Solicitor's Office.
An inventory of remaining training requirements is currently under way. All staff are to receive general awareness training, which is to be supported by more detailed training on aspects of the Act which tie in to their specific job needs.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons the Northern Ireland Office is not participating in the Government's Human Rights Task Force. [103825]
§ Mr. George Howarth[holding answer 19 January 2000]: The composition of the Task Force is a matter for the Home Secretary. The Chief Commissioner of The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (which is funded by the Northern Ireland Office) is represented on the Task Force. On 18 January 2000, I made a presentation to the Task Force, outlining the strategy of the Northern Ireland Office for implementation of the Human Rights Act.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what training(a) has been undertaken and (b) is planned for the future, relating to the Human Rights Act 1998 for (i) the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and (ii) the Northern Ireland civil service. [103831]
§ Mr. George Howarth[holding answer 19 January 2000]: A Project Team has been established within the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland to oversee implementation of the Act. Work is continuing in producing, in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, relevant training materials for staff. It is intended that such materials and subsequent training will have regard to any relevant differences in criminal law and practice between Northern Ireland and England.
Training for the Northern Ireland Departments is a matter for the Northern Ireland Administration.
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§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what written material on the Human Rights Act 1998 has been provided to(a) the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and (b) the Northern Ireland civil service; and if he will place copies in the Library. [103832]
§ Mr. George Howarth[holding answer 19 January 2000]: The Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland has been provided with the same material as has been issued throughout Government Departments in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Training for the Northern Ireland Departments is a matter for the Northern Ireland Administration.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements have been made to review policy and practice within departments in order to ensure full compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998; and what arrangements have been made to do this in(a) the Northern Ireland Office and (b) the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. [103834]
§ Mr. George Howarth[holding answer 19 January 2000]: The Northern Ireland Office has undertaken a scrutiny of legislation which requires or may require amendment as a result of the Human Rights Act 1998. Any necessary action has already been taken or is under consideration.
The Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland continues to monitor developments in criminal law with particular reference to ECHR issues.