§ Mr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she expects to respond to the recommendations of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights report on Fair Employment and Equality Review; and if she will make a statement. [22738]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights has provided a major report on employment equality which includes over 160 recommendations. Following consultation with those who would be directly affected by SACHR's recommendations, the Government's consideration of the recommendations is well advanced and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already indicated certain recommendations on which the Government propose to take action—clarification of the law on direct recruitment of the long-term unemployed and firmer powers against persistent discriminators. The Government will give a response to the full range of SACHR's proposals in a paper to be published early this year. Those recommendations which are accepted by the Government will be implemented as appropriate.