The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has "warmly welcomed" the intervention of Mrs Mary Robinson in advocating greater powers for the Human Rights Commissions to be established by the Irish and British governments under the Belfast Agreement.
The UN Commissioner on Human Rights wrote separately to Mr Ahern and the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, last month, expressing concern that the commissions might prove to be inadequate. She asked that the governments consult her about the scale of the powers necessary and their legislative definition.
A Government spokesman said they had tried to ensure that the experience of the High Commissioner's Office would be taken into account in preparing the legislation. Mr Ahern had received her letter in early July and had written back welcoming her advice and assistance which, he said, was appreciated as the Government sought to create its own human rights institution. He made it clear the Government was determined to implement all elements of the Agreement as soon as possible. Mrs Robinson's letter was received before the British Settlement Bill, dealing with human rights and equality in Northern Ireland, was published. Amendments to the legislation in the House of Commons have reflected many of the concerns expressed in her letter.