HC Deb 24 July 1987 vol 120 cc631-2W
Mr. Hume

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied that the management and monitoring of the ACE programme in Northern Ireland is appropriate.

Mr. Viggers

Yes.

Mr. Hume

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement indicating whether, pursuant to his interim statement on 15 July, Official Report, column 490–1, on equality of opportunity in employment, there will be further consideration given to these issues particularly in respect of those with disabilities and in relation to sex discrimination.

Mr. Viggers

Yes, arrangements are being made for meetings with key interest groups, including the Equal Opportunity Commission and the Northern Ireland Council on Disability.

Mr. Hume

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement indicating what representations were received from or on behalf of the Northern Ireland Council on Disability on Equality of Opportunity in Employment and the Government's response to these to date; and what plans exist for further consideration of or consultations on the matters raised by the Northern Ireland Council on Disability.

Mr. Viggers

The Northern Ireland Council on Disability made a submission dated 31 March 1987 in response to the consultative paper "Equality of Opportunity in Employment in Northern Ireland." In the period to 6 July 1987, eight right hon. and hon. Members have written to urge that consideration be given to the Council's views. Right hon. and hon. Members were assured that the fullest consideration would be given to the Northern Ireland Council on Disability's views, consistent with the necessity to take account of all the views put forward in response to the consultative paper. To allow further discussion of their submission, a meeting between the Northern Ireland Council on Disability and departmental officials has been arranged for mid-August.