Northern Ireland: Bill of Rights

Lord Laird
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 24 April (WA 315–16) concerning the appointment of the chairman of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum, if no curriculum vitae was available at the time of his appointment, how was Mr Chris Sidoti appointed, and on what information; and whether they will place that information in the Library of the House. [HL3312]

Lord Rooker
I refer the noble Lord to my previous Answers of 5 February (Official Report, col. WA 171) and 19 February (Official Report, col. WA 46).

Lord Laird
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 24 April (WA 315) concerning the appointment of the chairman of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum, how the public can assess the expertise and suitability of the appointment in the absence of knowledge of those making the appointment. [HL3354]

Lord Rooker
I refer the noble Lord to my previous Answer of 18 March 2008 (Official Report, col. WA 30), and reiterate that it is neither policy nor practice to disclose the personal details of the skills and experience of individual officials.

I have previously advised the noble Lord that the decision to appoint Mr Sidoti as chairman of the Bill of Rights Forum was based on his experience and proven ability in this field (5 February, Official Report, col. WA 171). The public can access comprehensive details of his subsequent work as chairman of the forum on the forum's website at www.billofrightsforum.org.