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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what discussions have taken place with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission about current powers; what problems they have encountered; and what action is being taken to address such problems; [150652] (2) if the review to be undertaken into the powers of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will (a) be independent, (b) assess the work of the Commission against the United Nations agreed principles and (c) seek views from the public and interested parties; [150654] (3) what plans have been made to review the powers of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. [150653] Mr. George Howarth: The Northern Ireland Office is in regular contact with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on a range of issues, including the extent of its powers under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Section 69(2) of the Act requires the Commission to submit to the Secretary of State at the end of its first two years of operation recommendations for improving the adequacy and effectiveness of its functions. We have not yet received these recommendations, but expect to do so shortly. We have made clear that we will give full consideration to the Commission's recommendations at that stage. Any subsequent proposals for change will be subject to consultation in the normal way.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

363 c763W; 150652;150654;150653

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Human rights Northern Ireland Public opinion Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Reviews Pressure groups

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk