§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they propose to announce the new members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and whether they will ensure that any appointments reflect a community balance in the commission. [HL834]
§ Lord Williams of MostynWe hope to announce the outcome of the recent competition for appointment to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in the near future. In making his decision, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will comply with his statutory duty under Section 68(3) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to "as far as practicable secure that the Commissioners, as a group, are representative of the community in Northern Ireland".
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§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they propose to take to ensure that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission acts within its legal limit. [HL835]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe functions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are clearly set out in Section 69 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. It is open to anyone who believes the commission is acting outwith its remit and who has suffered detriment as a result of this to seek a judicial review of the commission's actions. However, the Government would also welcome specific concerns being drawn to their attention.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission made any statements following the murder of the journalist Martin O'Hagan; and, if not, why not. [HL836]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThis 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.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will publish a list of venues for public consultations which the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission propose to hold before 1 December 2001. [HL837]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThis 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.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is taking to consult Peers and Members of Parliament about aspects of human rights; and whether they can ensure that, once arrangements are made, these consultations actually take place. [HL848]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThis 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.