Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which legislation will be published to give effect to the programme for Government commitment to require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in the carrying out of their functions. [15291/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I should clarify that the Programme for Government commitment to require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions does not refer to the introduction of new legislation.

Public bodies are already under clear statutory and constitutional obligations in relation to the treatment of individuals from a human rights and equality perspective.

The existing legislative framework includes the Equal Status Acts,the Employment Equality Acts,the Human Rights Commission Acts and the European Convention on Human Rights Act.

In so far as proposals for significant legislative are put to Government there is also an obligation to conduct a Regulatory Impact assessment with a specific requirement within that to address gender equality and poverty proofing issues.

What is now required is a focus on ensuring that these issues are centre stage in the public sector reform process under way in the context of the Croke Park Agreement. One specific initiative which the Deputy might be interested in is the launch of a Human Rights Guide for Civil and Public Servants by the Irish Human Rights Commission. In addition, the Diversity & Equality Law Division of my Department and the Irish Human Rights Commission have piloted human rights training for civil and public servants. I strongly support this initiative and wish to see this training made available more widely over time within Government Departments and the wider public service.

I will be reviewing progress in this matter,together with colleagues, to see what additional measures need to be taken.