Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

HL Deb 04 March 2004 vol 658 c113WA

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that any new appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are on a quota basis reflecting the Northern Ireland community. [HL1487]

Baroness Amos

In line with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' guidance, appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will be made on merit. In addition, the Secretary of State will have regard to Section 68(3) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 which requires him to "as far as practicable secure that the Commissioners, as a group, are representative of the community in Northern Ireland".