Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Government and Minister are to be commended on having this directive transposed quickly. My understanding is that this is effectively adding an additional function to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and that it is identified in the directive that in order for a body to be appointed as the point of contact it must have certain competencies in providing or ensuring the provision of independent or legal assistance to union workers and their families; conducting or commissioning independent surveys, particularly in relation to obstacles to the right to free movement; and ensuring the publication of independent reports, also in relation to freedom of movement and so on.

I note that in the preamble to the directive it is stated that should a member state decide to expand the mandate of an existing body it should ensure the allocation of sufficient resources to the existing body for the effective and adequate performance of its existing and additional tasks. The Minister indicated in an earlier response that she has provided additional resources and staff for the new merged body, which I acknowledge. However, as this amendment comes so late in the day, was account taken of these additional competencies and the work required in relation to this additional function in the calculation of those resources, or was it at least acknowledged that the organisation may require additional resources in order to incorporate this function in light of the transposition of the directive?