Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 February 2008.

Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 5 February (WA 171) concerning the chairman of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Forum, how potential candidates for the chairmanship were identified; against what criteria and by whom the candidates were assessed; and whether they will place in the Library of the House a list of the candidates considered.

Answer: Suggestions for potential candidates for the chairmanship of the Bill of Rights Forum were provided by officials in the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the then Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Northern Ireland Office, the Irish Government, the UK Mission to the UN, Geneva, and the British Embassy, Dublin. Candidates were then assessed by officials against the following criteria: 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 a politically and socially divergent group; and proven ability to analyse and make recommendations on complex issues. A shortlist of candidates was provided to NIO Ministers, who determined that Mr Sidoti should be invited to chair the forum. A list of candidates considered has not been placed in the Library of the House because it contains ““personal data”” within the meaning of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1886; 699 c45-6WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2008-0527
Friday, 22 February 2008
Deposited papers
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights Forum
Monday, 3 March 2008
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House of Lords
Subjects: Public appointments Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk