Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., on the publication of the Consultation Paper on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland

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Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., on the publication of the Consultation Paper on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland

 Speaking today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Micheál Martin T.D., said:

 “I welcome today’s publication by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland of the Consultation paper on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. This is an important next step in the process towards a Bill of Rights.

A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is a central commitment of the Good Friday Agreement.  It is the Government’s view that the creation of a Bill of Rights specific to the present and historical context of Northern Ireland will serve to underpin the principles of mutual respect and parity of esteem which are essential to continued stability and progress.

I would urge all interested groups and organisations and, in particular, the political parties in Northern Ireland to engage constructively in the Consultation process.”

Note for Editors

The Good Friday Agreement sets out a wide range of provisions on Human Rights issues, including a mandate for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to provide advice to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. This advice was presented to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in December 2008.

Following consideration of the advice, the Secretary of State has today published a public Consultation paper, inviting the views of individuals and organisations. This Consultation will close on 1 March 2010.

ENDS+++

Press Section

Department of Foreign Affairs

30 November 2009