Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the recent comments made by the president of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Maurice Manning, in which he expressed concern that bodies voted in existence by the Houses of the Oireachtas faced endless frustration in getting resources to do the jobs they were given; if, in particular, he noted Dr. Manning's comments that the Commission's dealings with his Department had been more difficult and frustrating than they needed to be; his views on the comments made by Dr. Manning; if he intends to act on the call made by the president for his Department to look at its modus operandi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21289/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Human Rights Commission does not deal directly with my Department. All matters relating to the Commission are in fact dealt with by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with reference to my Department where appropriate.

In common with other Voted expenditure, grants to the HRC are subject in the normal way to the procedures set out in relevant legislation. The usual position is that the Department of Finance sanctions numbers of staff for bodies, having due regard to Government policy at the time, and appropriate rates of remuneration of both staff and Board members. In addition the normal position is that grant or funding levels are also subject to formal sanction. My Department at all times deals with each request on its merits bearing in mind all relevant factors including the need to retain consistency in remuneration structures.

Any specific questions relating to resources for the Commission should be directed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.