§ Dr. Twinnasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he proposes to take to follow up the publication of the consultative paper, "Equality of Opportunity in Employment in Northern Ireland."
§ Mr. Tom KingThere has been a general welcome and a substantial number of responses to our consultative paper. Further consultation is proceeding and we expect to receive shortly a report on the outcome of the current review of anti-discrimination legislation being undertaken 489W by the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights. In the light of these I wish to proceed as quickly as possible to make a number of changes.
A major issue raised in the consultative paper was whether change should concentrate on the single dimension of religion, or also encompass sex and disability. In the light of the comments received, I have decided to concentrate legislative and other action on the vital religious issue. The promotion of equality of opportunity in relation to sex and disability will continue to be addressed in the same way as in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Work has now started on the preparation of new measures. It will proceed in parallel with further consultations, and considerations of the Standing Advisory Commission's report. Detailed proposals will be brought forward as soon as possible.
Pending new legislation, action is now being taken, in respect of the religious dimension, to strengthen the promotion of equality of opportunity in employment. A new guide to effective practice will be published in September. It will make clear our commitment to ensuring that recruitment, selection and promotion take place solely on the basis of merit; and to the active promotion of employment equality through "affirmative action" where necessary. We shall also be introducing a support scheme to assist employers to improve the practice of employment equality in the private sector. Educational initiatives, in both the public and private sectors, will be carried forward over the next few months by the Departments of Finance and Personnel, and Economic Development. In advance of the wider changes to its role which we envisage, the Fair Employment Agency will be provided with additional resources, and we shall discuss with the agency how they can best be deployed.
The Government are totally committed to equality of employment opportunity for both communities in Northern Ireland. These actions demonstrate the further progress we will be making to fulfil that commitment.