§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what discussions have taken place with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission about current powers; what problems they have encountered; and what action is being taken to address such problems; [150652]
(2) if the review to be undertaken into the powers of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will (a) be independent, (b) assess the work of the Commission against the United Nations agreed principles and (c) seek views from the public and interested parties; [150654]
(3) what plans have been made to review the powers of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. [150653]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe Northern Ireland Office is in regular contact with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on a range of issues, including the extent of its powers under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Section 69(2) of the Act requires the Commission to submit to the Secretary of State at the end of its first two years of operation recommendations for improving the adequacy and effectiveness of its functions. We have not yet received these recommendations, but expect to do so shortly. We have made clear that we will give full consideration to the Commission's recommendations at that stage. Any subsequent proposals for change will be subject to consultation in the normal way.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what resources have been provided to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for the public consultation about the scope of the Bill of Rights. [150645]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe annual budget of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was initially set at £750,000, three times that of the Commission's predecessor, to reflect its increased powers and functions. The consultation on the scope for a Bill of Rights was envisaged as an integral part of the Commission's functions and resources for the consultation have therefore been provided within the Commission's core budget. However, we made clear from the outset that we would be prepared to consider bids for increased funding, provided they were accompanied by a properly costed business case. The Commission's first bid for additional funds—including for the consultation on the scope for a Bill of Rights—was received during the Christmas break. It is currently under consideration, and we hope to meet the Commission shortly to discuss their bid more fully.