Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 790: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he still believes in due process and respect for human rights while managing the justice system; and if there have been changes in relation to these important legal issues. [1966/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In so far as I can understand the import of the Deputy's question, let me say that due process or trial in due course of law in the sense that the term describes the regular application of the criminal law through the courts, is a constitutional principle.

Apart from constitutional rights, I remind the Deputy that as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform I piloted the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, which incorporated the Convention into Irish law, through the Oireachtas. I might also remind the Deputy that, in so far as my areas of responsibility are concerned, I have made full use of the provisions of the Human Rights Commission Act 2000 to refer all legislative proposals emanating from my Department with human rights implications to the Human Rights Commission for its consideration.