Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the fact that the Human Rights Commission has received no increase, over and above inflationary increases, in its budget in more than two years; and if he will make a commitment to significantly increase funding to the Human Rights Commission in order that it will finally be enabled to boost its capacity and deliver on its strategic plan.. [19289/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The grants-in-aid payable to the Human Rights Commission for each the three years 2005 to 2007 amount to €1.894 million, €1.959 million and €2.033 million respectively. It goes without saying that careful attention is paid to the financial needs of the Commission when the annual estimates of expenditure are being considered in my Department. I am satisfied that the amounts paid are more than adequate in the circumstances. This is well illustrated by the fact that the Commission is now moving into its second phase of development and has already acquired substantial additional premises accordingly. It is also in the process of recruiting a significant number of new staff for two new senior administrative positions as well as a number of posts for researchers/fellowships to assist it in meeting its extensive statutory remit.