Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Human Rights work programme announced

It was announced in late December 2014 that a sub-committee of the Oireachtas Justice Committee is being established to examine human rights matters. 

The sub-committee’s role is to examine how issues, themes and proposals take account of human rights provisions. The sub-committee has been tasked with examining issues themes and proposals, legislative or otherwise, in regard to compliance with the human rights of persons within the State.  The sub-committee will report back to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.  It is chaired by David Stanton TD and Katherine Zappone is the sub-committee’s Rapporteur.

The sub-committee recently published its Work Programme for 2015 and has identified the following key areas for examination:

1. To review the 2009 Charities Act with regard to its omission of human rights organisations to apply for charitable status;
2. To investigate the introduction of a regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants;
3. To examine the ratification by Ireland of international human rights treaties; and
4. To support public bodies to prepare for their ‘positive duty’ obligation to ensure a regard for promoting equality and human rights.

Click here to view the terms of reference of the sub-committee.