Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 306: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the savings that will accrue from the decision to abolish the National Crime Council; the number of times the NCC met in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38185/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 327: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details on the announcement in budget 2009 that the National Crime Council is to be abolished; the date by which this will be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38417/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 327 together.

It is expected that savings of €576,000 per annum at current prices will be achieved as a result of the abolition of the National Crime Council. The Council met thirteen times in the period 2006-2008. In addition, there were meetings of sub-groups of the Council during this period.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 307: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way the budget 2009 proposals in respect of the future of the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority will be implemented in practice; the estimated savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38186/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 328: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the implications of the decision announced in budget 2009 in relation to the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission to fully integrate their facilities, back office and administrative services and access for citizens; the date by which this is expected to be achieved; the savings to the Exchequer this is expected to achieve in 2008, 2009 and 2010; the basis for those savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38418/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 328 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority themselves to operate within the terms of the Budget provisions for 2009 and to seek the efficiencies that are required. My Department is, of course, available to assist them in every practical way that is possible. I consider there is sufficient funding provided for both bodies in 2009 to enable them to discharge their core functions. I would also remind the Deputy that the provision in 2009 for the Equality Tribunal, the body which adjudicates on claims of inequality, has been increased by 15%.

In relation to the matter of integrating administrative and back office facilities with a view to maximising operating efficiencies in both bodies, my department is currently assisting the Agencies in examining the issues which will need to be addressed to achieve these efficiencies. These issues are likely to include shared IT and telecommunications facilities as well as office accommodation which is being addressed in the context of the decentralisation to Roscrea of further elements of the Equality Authority.