§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the contribution of(a) policy appraisal of fair treatment and (b) targeting social need to the creation of employment opportunities. [26226]
§ Mr. Ancram[holding answer 22 April 1996]Neither of these initiatives directly aims to create additional employment opportunities.
Policy appraisal and fair treatment seek to ensure that issues of equality and equity are fully considered in the policy-making process and in service delivery in all spheres of government activity in Northern Ireland.
Targeting social need is a public expenditure priority established to ensure that resources are directed towards areas and people identified as socially and economically disadvantaged. It complements Governments' social and economic policies, including those aimed at creating employment opportunities.
It is expected that the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights will consider the impact of both initiatives in its report on employment equality in Northern Ireland to be published later this year.