§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals she has to ensure persons dealing with disability and racial discrimination in employment in the new Equality Commission will have similar expertise to that of their colleagues for the Fair Employment Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission. [73741]
§ Mr. Paul Murphy[holding answer 3 March 1999]: This is a matter being considered by the Working Group and I await their proposals. The current resources in respect of disability and race will be made available to the Equality Commission and I expect there to be continuity of personnel dealing with both issues. Staff development will be a key consideration for the new Commission.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she is taking to ensure that advice is given to employers and assistance to disabled complainants between the establishment of the Equality Commission and the introduction of the new disability enforcement powers. [73742]
§ Mr. McFall[holding answer 3 March 1999]: During the period between the establishment of the Equality Commission and the introduction of the new disability enforcement powers the Labour Relations Agency will continue to help employers and individuals with information on the employment provisions of the legislation and assistance related to its effects on industrial relations practices and procedures. In addition the DDA Helpline will continue to provide good practice advice and signpost callers to appropriate organisations.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals she has to ensure that a complainant raising more than one type of discrimination receives appropriate advice and assistance. [73743]
§ Mr. Paul Murphy[holding answer 3 March 1999]: The single Equality Commission will help facilitate those complaints raising more than one type of discrimination. The Equality Commission Working Group is considering such matters as a staffing structure for the Commission to enable it to deliver services most effectively. I expect to receive the final report of the Group's recommendations in mid-March.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she is taking to ensure the networking proposals of the draft legislation for a disability rights commission in Northern Ireland are implemented by the new Equality Commission. [73744]
§ Mr. McFall[holding answer 3 March 1999]: The intention is that with regard to disability the Equality Commission will have a similar role and functions to the Disability Rights Commission in Great Britain. The timing of the necessary legislation will be a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
828W
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the sums granted to the Equality Commission to deal with disability discrimination in Northern Ireland will reflect the amount given for similar purposes in Great Britain with suitable adjustments for the higher rate of disability in Northern Ireland than Great Britain. [73745]
§ Mr. McFall[holding answer 3 March 1999]: The Equality Commission will continue to have the resources available to the Northern Ireland Disability Council. The funding required by the Equality Commission to cover new responsibilities will be a matter for the Assembly. However, I expect that account will be taken of the amount given for similar purposes in Great Britain and of local circumstances.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, following the dissolution of the Northern Ireland Disability Council, the new Equality Commission will take its place on the National Disability Council. [73746]
§ Mr. McFall[holding answer 3 March 1999]: Following the dissolution of the Northern Ireland Disability Council arrangements will be put in place to facilitate a close working relationship between the National Disability Council and the Equality Commission.