Ms Emily Logan:

In relation to budgeting, I am aware of the work done in civil society in this area. Some civil society members have already contacted me to let me know about it. I am a little late for this year’s cycle, but the issue was raised. It was one of the ones discussed at our plenary session last Wednesday and members of the commission are very keen. Much work has been done internationally and it is possible to human rights and equality proof budgets. That is certainly something in which the commission will be interested. The Deputy must forgive me for missing this budget cycle, but he can look to us next year, as the matter has already been raised with me.

On joint working across the island of Ireland, we are hosting the next meeting in November. I have contacted Mr. Les Allamby, the newly appointed Northern Ireland human rights commissioner, and that meeting will take place in November. I am not yet in a position to provide an update on the charter, but I do know joint work has been ongoing on social inclusion and poverty matters. Both committees have met Ms Patricia O’Brien, the UN representative in Geneva, and there has been ongoing work between the joint committees, but I am not yet up to date on how advanced the work is on the charter.