asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they gave an undertaking to the chief commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission that parliamentary time would be made available for a Rights Bill for Northern Ireland in 2009. [HL2996]

No decision will be taken on the scope for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland until the Government have considered the advice that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is tasked with providing under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. That advice is expected in December 2008. Therefore no commitment has been given to legislate in 2009.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it was the role of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum to advise the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on a potential Bill of Rights; and whether it is the role of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to advise the Government on a potential Bill of Rights; and if so, why the two bodies have the same function. [HL3280]

I refer the noble Lord to the Written Answer given to him on 19 February 2008 (Official Report, col. WA 40), setting out the terms of reference of the Bill of Rights Forum; and to the Written Answer given to him on 18 March 2008 (Official Report, col. WA 30), in relation to the functions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The functions of the two bodies are not the same.