Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

As the Minister is aware, there has been a significant consultation process, headed by the former president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Ms Inez McCormack, who is very respected in the sphere of human rights and conflict resolution. It is a very important process that underscores Ireland's commitment to international human rights. One of the things of which we are most proud is the appointment of former President, Mary Robinson, as High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The programme was to have been launched on international women's day on 8 March last. With the collapse of the Government some time was lost in that process. Is there a definite timeframe for commencement? The Minister has outlined some of the oversight and regulation roles. I would like to have a clearer sense of when it will be commenced and an assurance that it will not be long-fingered.

See this speech in context