Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 84: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken to address the advice on a charter of rights for the island of Ireland prepared by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Irish Human Rights Commission; if he plans to progress these recommendations; if he has liaised with the appropriate authorities in the Government of the United Kingdom on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39650/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Joint Committee of the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission presented their advice for a Charter of Rights for the island of Ireland earlier this year. This was in accordance with the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement. The advice of the Joint Committee was delivered to the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Ceann Comhairle, who passed the advice to all the political parties in both jurisdictions for their consideration. According to the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, the Charter of Rights would be for signature by the political parties. At the time the advice was presented, I expressed my gratitude to the Joint Committee for their work on the Charter of Rights and welcomed their input. This advice should be given serious consideration by all the political parties on the island of Ireland. I urge my colleagues here and in the Northern Ireland Assembly to make every effort to progress this important document.