§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) when his Department last conducted a survey of the ethnic origin of its employees; when it next plans to do so; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) what steps he has taken to recruit members of ethnic minorities in top grades of employment at his Department.
§ Mr. Ian StewartWithin Northern Ireland religious affiliation is a more significant consideration for equality of opportunity than ethnic origin. The Northern Ireland Civil Service therefore records details of religious affiliation together with sex (and disabilities if any) of applicants. It does not monitor the ethnic origin of staff nor has it any plans to do so.
The home Civil Service conducted a programme of ethnic origin surveys over four years, covering all staff, and these surveys were completed in June 1988. The Northern Ireland Office in London took part in these surveys.
The Northern Ireland Office continues to monitor staff as they join and to update its records. The home Civil Service and the Northern Ireland Civil Service are fully committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all applicants including any from ethnic minorities.
The Northern Ireland Office is an equal opportunity employer and this is emphasised in all our recruiting campaigns and advertising.
482WPromotion opportunities are open to all our staff and in all cases the promotion is gained on merit. No specific steps have been taken to recruit ethnic minorities to top grades.