§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what reports he has received from(a) consultants and (b) the Northern Ireland Audit Office on the outcome performance of the Equality Commission; and if he will place the reports in the Library.[160011]
§ Mr. SpellarI have not received any reports from consultants relating to the overall outcome performance of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Audit Office carries out an annual audit of the Commission's Accounts. Its opinion is included within the Financial Statement section of the Commission's Annual Report which is laid in Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly. A copy of the Audit Office Management Letter relating to the Annual Accounts is also provided to Office of the First and the deputy First Minister. The Commission's Corporate Plan has been approved by Ministers and its performance against this Plan and its annual Business Plan is subject to on-going monitoring.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Equality Commission's outcome performance in relation to equality of opportunity. [160012]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has a number of statutory duties. Among these are the duties to promote equality of opportunity and affirmative and positive action. It has a Corporate Plan and Annual Business Plan and it; performance against these is monitored. The Commission reports on its performance against these within its Annual Report which is laid in both Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly.