Katherine Zappone (Independent)

Here's to Katie Taylor. I am in solidarity with Senator Norris calling for a debate on homophobic bullying. The Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality heard evidence from many groups against homophobic and transphobic bullying on 17 May but I am in solidarity with the Senator.

I welcome the publication of the heads of the Bill on the establishment of the human rights and equality commission that the Minister, Deputy Shatter, published earlier this week and his commitment to put in place a new body that will be strengthened in its ability to respect the human rights and equal status of everyone in our society. He has moved swiftly in response to the working group's report which reflects the public consultation process that fed into it. I am sure all Members would agree that now more than ever before within the context of our vulnerable Irish society and economy we need to get it right in terms of the way equality and human rights can be delivered side by side.

I have some questions I would like the Leader to ask of the Minister, Deputy Shatter. Of primary concern in the establishment of this body is that it is effective and that it has the resources to be effective and the way it will be regarded at international level. As many Members are aware, the Irish Human Rights Commission was regarded by the UN as an independent national human rights institution. The new body will not have that special status. It will not yet comply with the Paris Principles-----