Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., on the presentation of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland

“I welcome today’s presentation of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

This marks an important step on the path to a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and I look forward to studying its recommendations and engaging closely with the British Government as this process moves forward.

I wish to warmly commend Chief Commissioner Monica McWilliams and her fellow Commissioners for their work in preparing this advice, as mandated by the Good Friday Agreement.”

Note for Editors
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has a mandate under the Good Friday Agreement to provide advice to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. (“on the scope for defining, in Westminster legislation, rights supplementary to those in the European Convention on Human Rights reflecting the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland”).

The Commission will formally present its final advice to the Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, Mr. Paul Goggins MP, at an event in Stormont this afternoon.

**ENDS**
Press Office
10th December 2008