17/09/2002

Equality Commission discussed by Minister's

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have met with Barbara Roche, Minister of State at the Office of the Deputy Irish Prime Minister, to discuss the creation of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, its relationship with her Office and equality issues in general.

The meeting took place, at the request of Ms Roche, in Parliament Buildings and was part of a visit to Northern Ireland, which also included meetings with Edwin Poots, Chairman of the Committee of the Centre, The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) and The Equality Coalition.

A single body encompassing the various Commissions in Great Britain is currently being considered by Ms Roche and her officials.

Promoting equality of opportunity and human rights is a key priority in the Programme for Government and central to all that the devolved administration is trying to achieve.

ECNI exercises the functions previously undertaken by the Fair Employment Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Northern Ireland Disability Council.

The functions of the Commission have been expanded and strengthened in relation to the enforcement of duties under disability discrimination legislation and to the statutory duty on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity.

(MB)

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