To ask Her Majesty’s Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 7 July (WA 143-4), whether they will ensure that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission follows the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland’s requirements and makes a determination of community background using the residuary method for the Commissioner who did not declare their community background. [HL5190]

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 7 July (WA 143–4), how they can ensure that the membership of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is representative of the community, as required by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, if they do not ascertain the community background of all its members. [HL5191]

Whilst the community background of members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is monitored, statutory monitoring requirements under the terms of the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 do not apply to appointments such as these.

How individuals see their own community background is a matter for themselves. Ensuring that the membership of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is representative of the community is the responsibility of the Secretary of State.