Seanad debates

Wednesday, 18 June 2003

European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001: Second Stage.

 

The Bill raises certain questions. Section 6 provides that the Attorney General may appear in court and the Minister stated that there may be some provision to allow the Human Rights Commission to involve itself. I wonder if the provision cuts across prosecuting and defending counsel in some way. Given the cost, if I was to take a case to the High Court or Supreme Court, I am not sure I would welcome the imposition of a third party of whose line I was unsure. By virtue of this party's position, they would be an influential advocate whose arguments judges would not lightly disregard. This provision may represent an unnecessary interference in the process. I am sure that the Minister will comment on that matter later.

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