Peter Barry
Question:49 Mr. Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has put forward for the composition of the equal opportunities commission in Northern Ireland.
Written Answers. - Composition of Northern Ireland Agencies.
Peter Barry
Question:51 Mr. Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has put forward for the composition of the fair employment agency in Northern Ireland.
Peter Barry
Question:54 Mr. Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has put forward for the composition of the standing advisory commission on human rights in Northern Ireland.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 49, 51 and 54 together.
The Government make regular use of the powers given to us under Article 6 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement to put forward views and proposals on the role and composition of bodies appointed by the Secretary of State or by Northern Ireland departments, including the three mentioned by the Deputy. The 1989 Review of the Working of the Anglo-Irish Conference emphasised the importance of the principle that such bodies should be so constituted as to enjoy the widest possible public respect and acceptance. In the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, the membership of these bodies has special political importance and sensitivity.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government put forward proposals regarding the composition of public bodies on a confidential basis and it would not accordingly be appropriate for me to comment further on specific proposals.