Human Rights Commission Advises Welfare Reform Scrutiny Committee

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will today appear before the Ad Hoc Committee on Welfare Reform.
Chief Commissioner Professor Michael O’Flaherty stated:
’ The Commission will advise the Committee that since so much of the Welfare Reform Bill will be implemented by means of secondary legislation there are real risks of it causing unacceptable hardship for the poorest in society. To avoid this’ the Assembly will need cast iron guarantees from the Executive that the most basic human rights will be respected when the reforms are put into practice. For example with the introduction of a cap on housing benefits no one should be faced with having to make a decision on whether to keep a roof over their head or feed their family.’
Professor Michael O’Flaherty added:
‘This is the first time the devolved administration has provided human rights scrutiny of proposed legislation in this way. The creation of an Ad Hoc Committee dedicated to scrutinising the human rights and equality impact of the Bill is a positive and significant step. The Commission welcomes this and recognises the commitment shown by the Assembly to ensure human rights compliance of Welfare Reform.’
ENDS
Further information
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Notes to editors
1. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (‘the Commission’) pursuant to Section 69 (4) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 advises the Assembly whether a Bill is compatible with human rights.
2. The Ad Hoc Committee on Conformity with Equality Requirements’ Welfare Reform Bill will meet in public session today 3 December 2012 at 2.30pm. The Commission will provide evidence at approximately 3pm.
3. On 20 November 2012 the N.I Assembly agreed: ‘That’ as provided for in Standing Orders 53(1) and 60(1)’ this Assembly establishes an Ad Hoc Committee to consider and report on whether the provisions of the Welfare Reform Bill are in conformity with the requirements for equality and observance of human rights.’
4. The Commission in its submission to the Social Development Committee advised: ‘Recalling the human rights concerns raised by the JCHR’ the Commission refers the Committee to section 35 of the Standing Orders’ which makes provision for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to consider and report on whether the draft Bill is in conformity with the requirements of human rights law.’
5. View the Commission’s full submission on the Welfare Reform Bill here.