To ask Her Majesty's Government why the public consultation period for a bill of rights for Northern Ireland has been extended to 31 March; how many responses had been received from individuals at the conclusion of the initial consultation period; and how many (a) daily newspapers, and (b) weekly newspapers, the original public consultation invitation was advertised in. [HL2516]

The Bill of Rights consultation period was extended by four weeks to 31 March following receipt of requests from consultees for an extension to the deadline, to allow more time for those individuals and organisations that wish to respond to the consultation to do so.

By 1 March, 84 detailed responses from individuals and organisations and 479 mailshot responses had been received. The launch of the public consultation was advertised in the three main daily newspapers in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News and News Letter.