§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he(a) has established and (b) published a baseline for policy appraisal against which to measure progress on equal treatment. [94862]
§ Mr. George HowarthIn preparation for the new European Union Structural Funds Plan for Northern Ireland 2000–2006, an ex ante appraisal has established baseline data on equal opportunities for men and women. This will be published as part of the documentation for the Plan. In addition to their primary function in relation to the Structural Funds Plan, this data may also be used for future policy appraisal, including impact assessments in relation to the promotion of opportunity, as required by Section 75 and Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.