Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 February 2008.

Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights Forum

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What process led to the appointment of Chris Sidoti as chairman of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Forum; how many applications there were; and who carried out the interviews.

Answer: The Government's consultation document A Forum on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland (14 November 2006) and subsequent response to the consultation (12 December 2006) discussed the qualities and competences expected of the chair of the Bill of Rights Forum. In view of the non-statutory nature of the post, its short and limited lifespan and the need for a chairman to be in place quickly, the post was not advertised and formal interviews were not held. Potential candidates with relevant backgrounds and experience were identified and their relative merits assessed against the criteria. The Government are confident that Mr Sidoti, who was chosen for the post, fully met the selection criteria, which were: experience and understanding of human rights, including international human rights instruments, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights; a track record of leadership; proven ability to establish consensus among politically and socially divergent group; and proven ability to analyse and make recommendations on complex issues.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1547; 698 c171WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights Forum
Monday, 3 March 2008
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights
Monday, 21 July 2008
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Public appointments Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk