Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the importance of having a strong and independent Human Rights Commission; and if he will ensure the necessary resources are made available to achieve that objective. [14060/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The functions of the Irish Human Rights Commission are as prescribed in the Human Rights Commission Act 2000. The Act also provides that the IHRC is independent in the performance of its functions. Under the Act the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is required in each financial year to pay the Commission, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, a grant, with the consent of the Minister of Finance, of such an amount as he or she determines towards the expenses of the Commission in the performance of its function.

Having regard to the Exchequer position, I am satisfied that the funding made available to the Commission in 2010 is reasonable in the circumstances.