Dr. Mary Rogan:

I thank Senator Conway. He has asked some really challenging questions. In respect of the issue of human rights proofing and who might do that, I would not advocate any new elaborate structure by which that would have to be carried out. It could very much be done at departmental level, with the assistance of academics, lawyers and NGO partners, to examine legislation rather than creating any new formalised structure. Something we mentioned previously is the notion of a human rights committee within the Oireachtas, which I accept has the critical role for proofing pieces of legislation. What is at issue is the capacity by which that can be done. Perhaps that relates to the second point about engagement with NGOs. The more there is engagement and consultation with the academic world and NGOs, the better as those are the kind of things which will provide the best approach to support human rights proofing of legislation. That could be done on an informal level rather than having a big elaborate structure around it.

I will not say whether I think there should be fewer NGOs because I am sure many people will have very strong views on the matter. As somebody who is involved in the NGO sector as well as in the academic world, it is critical the consultation processes are perhaps more formalised. There are some really good examples where NGOs are brought into discussions at the earliest stages and that is when one airs the issues and prevents problems at a later point.

Senator Conway asked whether there are perhaps too many NGOs. This is not quite the same point but what I would like to state is that the question of professionalised NGOs is really important, and that is about funding. This is becoming a really critical issue in this country with the departure of many of the philanthropic bodies or a reduction in the level of funding which they can provide. A professionalised NGO sector is essential. I am not sure whether that is about a multiplicity of NGOs but the critical issue is that it is professionalised with full-time, salaried people who are working in NGOs who can support Government and policy reform.