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Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 7 December 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 December 2015. It was answered by Lord Dunlop (Conservative) on Monday, 21 December 2015 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

European Convention on Human Rights: Northern Ireland

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Faulks on 4 December (HL3813), what is their assessment of whether they have the power under section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to give direction to the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland to secure their compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights; and whether the Secretary of State has considered exercising any such power to secure full compliance in Northern Ireland with its obligations under the Convention in relation to equal marriage, blasphemy and defamation.

Answer

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland does not have the power under section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to give direction to the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland to secure their compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The UK Government recognises and respects the devolution settlement in Northern Ireland and in any event does not have power under section 24 to secure full compliance in Northern Ireland with its obligations under the Convention in relation to equal marriage, blasphemy and defamation.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4280
Session
2015-16
Related items
Subjects
Defamation Devolution Blasphemy European Convention on Human Rights Ministerial powers Marriage Northern Ireland
Legislation
Northern Ireland Act 1998
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk