David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank Ms Logan for her interesting contribution. The commissioners engaged with us on their appointments as there was an issue relating to how they were to be appointed. It was very important that the Executive be seen to be at arm's length in the process. This all-party Oireachtas committee undertook to meet the commissioners designate and we were very impressed with them - at the time we said we "gave them fair wind". We have had positive interactions with the commissioners and their predecessors on numerous occasions.

Ms Logan mentioned a parliamentary committee designated for human rights issues and this is something Senator Zappone has raised here. I think I can speak for all committee members when I say we are interested in the proposal and are working to progress it. The idea is that this committee would become a new committee and change its name to the committee on justice, human rights, equality and defence. That is Senator Zappone's proposal and it has been discussed here on numerous occasions. The issue is how committees will interact and this was touched on by Ms Logan in terms of structural links - we have examined this too. It is a work in progress and we may seek advice from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.