The wide-ranging role of the proposed Human Rights Commission for Northern Ireland was outlined in the House of Commons last night. The Northern Ireland Minister of State, Mr Paul Murphy, hailed the commission as "one of the strongest human rights institutions in Europe".
In a line-by-line committee stage debate on the Northern Ireland Bill, which transfers powers to the Assembly under the Belfast Agreement, Mr Murphy promised further consultations through the remainder of the summer on the commission's powers.
He pledged it would be independent of the British government and a "powerful force" in ensuring an active human rights culture in the North. Mr Murphy said the Commission would also:
Advise the British government and the Northern Assembly Executive on human rights
Examine all Assembly legislation and offer opinions on whether it was compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights
Consult and advise on drawing up a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
He said ministers would consult political parties in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to ensure any changes to the commission could be incorporated in the Bill during its passage through the House of Lords later this year.