HL Deb 08 March 2001 vol 623 cc40-1WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to fill the vacancy on the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and [HL746]

What steps they are taking to redress the community imbalance on the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and [HL940]

When the vacancy on the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will be filled; and whether they will ensure that any appointment will contribute to redressing the community imbalance on the Commission. [HL941]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Secretary of State is satisfied that the commissoners, as a group, are representative of the community of Northern Ireland. Appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are made according to the guidelines issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments and with regard for the Secretary of State's statutory duty under Section 68(3) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Government have recently indicated that we wish to make further appointments to the commission. An advertisement inviting applications appeared in theBelfast Telegraph on 23 February.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to provide further funding to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. [HL864]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

We have always made clear that we would be prepared to consider any bid by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for further funding, provided it was supported by a properly costed business case. Any bid would need to be considered against the other pressures on the Northern Ireland Office's budget. A bid from the commission was received during the Christmas break and is currently being considered.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish the code of conduct for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in its dealing with organisations and individuals. [HL942]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner has been asked to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.