Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to assure the House of my continued and intensive interest on the matter of any proposed or potential changes to the Human Rights Act. The Deputy mentioned the Conservative Party manifesto, but beyond the manifesto pledge, which promises to protect the basic rights such as the right to a fair trial and the right to life, it is unclear at this stage what is envisaged by the Conservative Party or the British Government in respect of a bill of rights.

I had the opportunity yesterday to have a brief meeting with my counterpart, Philip Hammond, the Foreign Secretary, and I relayed to him our concern - a concern about which I had the opportunity of making a statement in the Seanad last week. It is my intention this evening to meet the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, and this issue will be very much on the agenda. However, we await developments in terms of the publication of the legislative programme at Westminster and the subsequent draft Bill. I can assure Deputy Smith and the House that we will continue to make our position very clear on this important aspect of our relationship with the United Kingdom, with particular reference to the Good Friday Agreement.

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