Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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568. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if applicants for the nomination of the Irish member of the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment will be carried out by an independent panel of experts, as proposed in resolution 1540/2007 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30776/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that in June of this year expressions of interest were sought from suitably qualified and experienced persons for nomination as Ireland's representative to the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). Advertisements were placed on the websites of my Department and the Public Appointments Service with the criteria for selection having regard to the requirements of the CPT for nomination.

Forty three expressions of interest have been received. An evaluation of the applications by a short listing panel will be undertaken shortly. Three individuals will be selected as the Irish nominees in line with the procedures for nomination to the CPT.

It will then be a matter for the Council of Europe to decide which nominee should be appointed.

Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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569. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a list of previous Irish members of the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment indicating if any of them previously held a position in her Department; and, if so, outlining the position. [30777/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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From the records available I can advise the Deputy that the following were the previous Irish members to the Council of Europe Committee on the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).

- Mr. Michael Mellett

- Mr. John Olden

- Mr. Tim Dalton

- Mr. Sean Aylward

Members of the CPT do not receive a salary. They are chosen from among persons of high moral character who are known for their competence in the field of human rights or having professional experience in the areas covered by the Convention such as prisons, law enforcement, immigration etc.

Mr. Mellett was a serving official of my Department when appointed and subsequently re-appointed to the CPT. Mr Olden was a former official of my Department at the time of his appointment while Mr. Dalton and Mr. Aylward had retired from my Department prior to their appointments.

The Deputy may wish to note that expressions of interest were sought through public advertisement in June this year from suitably qualified and experienced persons for nomination as Ireland's new representative to the CPT. Three individuals will be selected as the Irish nominees in line with the procedures for nomination to the CPT.

It will then be a matter for the Council of Europe to decide which nominee should be appointed.