§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the new management structure of the Western health and social services board, how many who are deemed to be Protestants have been appointed.
§ Mr. HanleyUnder the Fair Employment (N.I.) Acts 1976 and 1989, the Western health and social services board, as a specified public authority, carries direct responsibility for providing equality of opportunity for all job applicants and for its employees. The board has an equal opportunity policy and submits monitoring returns to the Fair Employment Commission as required by the legislation.
In view of the board's statutory responsibilities, I do not consider it appropriate to provide the information requested. However, the board is prepared to meet with the hon. Member on this matter.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action the Western health and social services board is taking under its fair employment policy to ensure a fair representation between Roman Catholics and Protestants on its psychiatric unit of management.
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§ Mr. HanleyThe Western health and social services board has an equal opportunity policy and has developed procedures for the implementation and monitoring of equality of opportunity which are in line with the recommendations in the code of practice on fair employment. The board seeks to ensure that vacancies are advertised in newspapers accessible by both communities, that shortlisting criteria are not unlawfully discriminatory and that appointments are made in accordance with the health and personal social services selection and appointment procedures which are the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Services. It is the board's policy that all appointments should be made on the basis of merit and this policy is applied consistently in all areas including the board's area mental health unit.