There are growing fears that the Irish Commission on Human Rights might not be in existence before a major human rights conference in Dublin next week. Its members have not yet been appointed.
This will be a source of embarrassment to the Government which agreed to the setting up of the commission in the Belfast Agreement, signed 2 1/2 years ago.
The theme of the conference is protecting and developing human rights on the island of Ireland.
The Northern Ireland First Minister, Mr David Trimble, is among the speakers.
On Tuesday, the Government deferred for a third time making a decision on the composition of the commission. It had before it 16 names presented by a selection committee, chaired by Dr T.K. Whitaker.
The committee presented eight names, which received its unanimous priority recommendation, and eight others.
Legislation providing for the commission was passed earlier this year. A former Supreme Court judge, Mr Donal Barrington, was named as its president.
The selection committee was then set up to choose the part-time commissioners. As well as Dr Whitaker, its members are Ms Inez McCormack, president of the ICTU; Ms Mary Murphy, of the Society of St Vincent de Paul; Mr Martin O'Brien, of the Belfast-based Committee for the Administration of Justice; and Ms Frank Murray, of the Civil Service Appointments Commission.
The Government is not obliged under legislation to nominate those selected. However, it was felt unlikely that it would move very far from the recommendations, especially in the light of recent controversies and the perceived need to have transparent procedures for appointments.
It is understood that members of the selection committee are deeply concerned about the delay in making the appointments and apprehensive about the possible reasons for it.
The director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Mr Donncha O'Connell, said yesterday that it was very concerned with the delay.
"Such foot-dragging has adverse implications for the entire peace process and is already leading to expressions of concern in Northern Ireland," he said.
The Northern Ireland Commission on Human Rights, also set up under the agreement, has been in existence for almost two years.
The two commissions are expected to co-operate in establishing a common human rights framework for the whole island.
Next week's conference is in Dublin Castle. Entitled "Protecting and Developing Human Rights on the Island of Ireland in an International Context", it will be addressed by Prof Sir Nigel Rodley, the UN special rapporteur on torture; Ms Liz O'Donnell, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern; Mr George Howarth, representing Mr Peter Mandelson; Mr David Trimble; and the Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland, Mr Seamus Mallon.
It is very likely that the appointment of the members of the human rights commission will be scheduled again for next week's Cabinet on Tuesday. However, even if they are appointed then it will give very little time to confirm the appointments with those chosen and have them meet before the conference opens on Friday.