§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to increase the representation of Catholics in major public sector organisations in Northern Ireland following the recent Fair Employment Commission report on public service employment in Northern Ireland. [17888]
§ Mr. IngramI welcome the overall increase in the Roman Catholic share of senior public sector posts and the recognition in the Fair Employment Commission's Report of this improvement.
308WIt is for individual public sector bodies, as employers, to comply with their responsibilities under the fair employment legislation. This includes a duty to take action, within the law, to ensure fair participation in employment by members of both communities.
The report highlights the fact that the significant progress made by NI Government Departments in achieving fair representation among most of its work force, has yet to be reflected in the composition of senior grades. Several measures have already been taken to address this issue. These include the use of positive action advertisements, open advertising of posts, particularly chief executive posts, and the removal of various internal barriers so as to encourage a better flow of staff from lower to higher grades within and between Departments.
The Civil Service will continue to consult the Fair Employment Commission on affirmative action measures and the development of future goals and timetables for change in this area.