asked Her Majesty's Government:
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, how many consultations the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has arranged in each year since 1999; what those consultations were; and what groups they consulted; and [HL7554]
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, whether the groups consulted by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure responded to any consultation; to what extent and in what form they addressed equality of opportunity issues, and whether any suggestions were made leading to a change in proposed policies.[HL7555]
Equality-related consultations arising from Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 did not begin to take place in departments until after equality schemes approved by the Equality Commission were in place, around mid-2001. Between 2001-02 and 2005-06 in the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure there were nine equality-related consultations undertaken. (Listed in table below with number of responses received for each).
For each consultation we consult groups and individuals who have requested that they be included in our Section 75 consultation list (a copy of which has been placed in the Library), which was established as part of our equality scheme for these purposes. This list is updated continuously, but at least every year. Backdated lists are not kept.
In addition to equality-related consultations, the department consults key stakeholders as part of good policy-making practices generally, and because one must consult on legislation even where no adverse equality impacts have been identified.
With regard to the noble Lord's second Question, the information on what extent and what form consultation responses addressed equality of opportunity issues could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, for every equality-related consultation issued, policy makers record to whom consultations were issued, who responded and what was said. A summary of consultation responses received is published (usually on the department's website). All of this information is publicly available.
It is difficult to identify specific changes that have occurred to a policy as a result of consultation alone. This is because, when equality is mainstreamed effectively into decision-making throughout the policy development cycle—through, for example, pre-consultation or informal consultation—there will be no negative equality impacts evident.
Consultation Year Number of Responses EQIA on the provision of a Public Angling Estate & Water Recreation Facilities 2003 28 Policy Proposal on new legislation for Safety at Sports Grounds in Northern Ireland (included EQIA and Initial RIA) 2004 11 Irish Language Broadcast Fund 2004 14 EQIA of Guidance on the UK Government commitments in respect of Irish and Ulster-Scots 2004 27 PRONI Archives and Marketing Policy 2004 28 Unlocking Creativity—A Creative Region 2004 51 Libraries: A Framework for Change 2005 1,100 Consultation on the draft Safety of Sports Grounds (NI) Order and Explanatory Memorandum 2005 Nil Community Festivals Fund 2006 16
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, how many consultations the Department of Education in Northern Ireland has arranged in each year since 1999; what those consultations were; and what groups they consulted; and [HL7556]
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, whether the groups consulted by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland responded to any consultation; to what extent and in what form they addressed equality of opportunity issues, and whether any suggestions were made leading to a change in proposed policies.[HL7557]
The Department of Education has carried out a total of 26 consultations since 1999, seven of which have resulted in equality impact assessments being carried out. They are:
Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and its Assessment—2002;
Promotion through the Youth Service of the Personal and Social Development of Young People—2003;
Implementation of National Qualifications Framework in Schools—2005;
School Building—2005;
Recovery of Capital Grant from Schools—2005;
Change to Common Funding Formula—2006; and Proposals for a Revised Core Syllabus for Religious Education—2006.
A current list of all people and organisations consulted in line with the department's statutory equality duty has also been placed in the Library. The information requested regarding the responses of groups consulted is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
It is difficult to identify specific changes that have occurred to a policy as a result of consultation alone. This is because when equality is mainstreamed effectively into decision-making throughout the policy development cycle—through, for example, having advisory fora, pre-consultation or informal consultation—there will be no negative equality impacts evident.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, how many consultations the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland has arranged in each year since 1999; what those consultations were; and what groups they consulted.[HL7589]
Since the launch of its equality scheme on 8 February 2001, the Department of Environment has carried out 19 consultation exercises as part of the EQIA process. These are listed in Table A.
The department's equality scheme contains a list of Section 75 consultees. This list is updated on an annual basis and the latest version is at Table B. The equality scheme is publicly available on the department's website at www.doeni.gov.uk/uploads/doeequalityscheme.pdf and a copy has been placed in the Library.
DOE Equality Impact Assessment Consultation Exercises Policy Agency/Division Taxi Driver Licensing Procedures Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) Procedures relating to the issue of a licence to drivers with a medical condition likely to affect their fitness to drive. Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) Application for issue of a driving licence Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) Driving Theory Test Procedures Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) Qualifying procedures for registration as an approved driving instructor. Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) Vehicle Test Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) Practical Driving Test Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) Local Government Compensation for Redundancy and Premature Retirement Regulations. (S.R.2001 No.279) Local Government Division Local Government (Early Termination of Employment) (Discretionary Compensation) Regulations. (S.R.2003 No.61) Local Government Division Review of General Grant (Resources Element) Local Government Division Ards/Down Area Plan Planning Service Banbridge/Newry and Mourne Area Plan Planning Service Magherafelt Area Plan Planning Service Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) Planning Service Northern Area Plan Planning Service Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) Subject Plan for Belfast City Council Area 2015 Planning Service Development Control Advice Note - (DCAN) on Hot Food Bars. Planning Service Road Safety Education, Training and Publicity Road Safety Division Draft Taxis (Northern Ireland) Order (previously New Taxi Regulation Policies) Road Safety Division
DOE Section 75 Consultation List All MLAs (109) Limavady Borough Council All NI Members of Parliament Lisburn City Council All NI Members of the European Parliament Alliance Party of NI Local Government Staff Commission for NI (LGSC) Antrim Borough Council Magherafelt District Council Age Concern Northern Ireland Magherafelt Women's Group An Munia Tober MENCAP Ards Borough Council Men's Project Armagh City & District Council Assembly Library Methodist Church in Ireland Association of Chief Officers of Voluntary Organisations (ACOVO) Moyle District Council Baha’is Office for NI Ballymena Borough Council Multi-Cultural Resource Centre Ballymoney Borough Council Newry & Mourne District Council Banbridge District Council Newry & Mourne Senior Citizen's Consortium Barnardo’s NI Newry & Mourne Women Barnardo’s, Tuar Ceatha Project Newtownabbey Borough Council Belfast Butterfly Centre NI Anti-Poverty Network Belfast City Council NI Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Belfast Education and Library Board Northern Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) Belfast Hebrew Congregation NI Human Rights Commission Belfast Traveller Education and Development Group NI Islamic Centre Bishop of Down and Connor NI Unionist Party British Deaf Association (NI) NI Women's Aid Federation Bryson House NI Women's European Platform (NIWEP) Carafriend NIACRO Carers Northern Ireland NIPSA Carrickfergus Borough Council North Down Borough Council Castlereagh Borough Council North Eastern Education and Library Board Child Poverty Action Group North West Community Network Children's Law Centre North West Forum of People with Disabilities (Derry) Chinese Welfare Association Northern Ireland African Cultural Centre Chrysalis Women’s Centre Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health Coalition on Sexual Orientation (CoSo) Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities Coiste na niarchimi Northern Ireland Gay Rights Coleraine Borough Council Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Commissioner for Children & Young People Northern Ireland Office Committee on the Administration of Justice NSPCC Community Development and Health Network (NI) NUS-USI Northern Ireland Community Relations Council Office of the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland Community Technical Aid Omagh District Council POBAL Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Presbyterian Church in Ireland Cookstown District Council Progressive Unionist Party Craigavon Borough Council Queer Space Cruse Bereavement Care (NI) Royal National Institute for the Blind (NI) Democratic Left Royal National Institute for the Deaf (NI) Democratic Unionist Party Rural Community Network Department for Social Development Rural Development Council Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Rural Support Department of Culture Arts & Leisure Save the Children Department of Education for NI SDLP Department of Employment & Learning Sense NI Department of Finance & Personnel Sinn Fein Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety South Eastern Education and Library Board Derry City Council Southern Education and Library Board Derry Well Woman The Senior Citizens Consortium Disability Action Staff Commission for Education & Library Boards Down District Council Strabane District Council Down's Syndrome Association The Blind Centre for NI Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council The Cedar Foundation Employers Forum on Disability The Disability Committee of the Northern Ireland Committee Equality Commission for NI The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Equality Forum NI The Rainbow Project Falls Community Council The Women's Centre Falls Women Centre Training for Women Network Ltd Fermanagh District Council UK Unionist Party First Division Association Ulster Unionist Party Foyle Women's Information Network ULTACH FPA (NI) UNISON Gay & Lesbian Youth Northern Ireland Volunteer Development Agency Gingerbread NI West Belfast Economic Forum Green Party Women's Information Group Help the Aged, Northern Ireland Women's Resource and Development Agency Indian Community Centre Women's Support Network Institute of Directors Labour Party Women's Forum Northern Ireland Larne Borough Council Law Centre (NI) Workers Party Lesbian Line Youthnet
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, whether the groups consulted by the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland responded to any consultation; to what extent and in what form they addressed equality of opportunity issues; and whether any suggestions were made leading to a change in proposed policies.[HL7590]
The information requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, how many consultations the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland has arranged in each year since 1999; what those consultations were; and what groups they consulted; and [HL7591]
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, whether the groups consulted by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland responded to any consultation; to what extent and in what form they addressed equality of opportunity issues; and whether any suggestions were made leading to a change in proposed policies.[HL7592]
Equality-related consultations arising from Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 began after equality schemes were approved by the Equality Commission in 2001. Between 2001-02 and 2005-06, in the Department of Finance and Personnel there were approximately 26 equality-related consultations and a list of these can be found in the following table. The noble Lord may also wish to refer to the department's website at www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/about-us/publications where the department's statutory five-year review of its equality scheme and the department's annual reviews to the Equality Commission are publicly available.
For each consultation the department consults groups and individuals who have requested that they be included. The Department of Finance and Personnel Section 75 consultee database was established as part of the department's equality scheme for these purposes. This database is updated on a regular basis in consultation with those Section 75 groups.
In relation to whether and how groups respond to consultation, this information is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the noble Lord may wish to note that for every equality-related consultation issued, officials record to whom consultations were issued, who responded and what was said. A summary of consultation responses is published (usually on the department's website).
In relation to policy changes arising from consultation, when equality is mainstreamed effectively into decision-making throughout the policy development process, there may be no changes to the policy per se at a later stage following consultation.
Consultations arranged by the department of finance and personnel since 1999
Rating Policy:
Reform of Domestic Rating Non-Domestic Vacant Rating
Phased Removal of Industrial Rating
Non-Domestic Reliefs
Charitable Exemptions
Law Reform
Civil Partnerships
Divorce
Paternity
Marriage Laws
Physical Punishment
Domestic Violence
Law Reform
EU Programmes
Location of Civil Service Jobs
Recruitment and Promotion
Building Regulations Procurement
Census
Gender Recognition Regulation
Marriage Regulations 2003
Modernisation of Registration Service
Procurement Directives
Implementation of EU Directives
E-HR Programme
Accounting Services Programme
Regulation of Legal Services
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, how many consultations the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland has arranged in each year since 1999; what those consultations were; and what groups they consulted; and [HL7638]
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, whether the groups consulted by the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland responded to any consultation; to what extent and in what form they addressed equality of opportunity issues; and whether any suggestions were made leading to a change in proposed policies.[HL7639]
Since the department's equality scheme was approved by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland on 15 February 2001, the department has undertaken 20 consultations on draft equality impact assessments (EQIAs). These are listed below. The groups consulted were drawn from the consultee list set out in the equality scheme, which is updated regularly. This information has been placed in the Library. In addition, each draft EQIA records the groups consulted.
The information requested on responses to consultations cannot readily be collated in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, all final EQIAs record the outcome of the consultation process, including any changes made to proposed policies. EQIAs may be accessed on the department's website at www.drdni.gov.uk/DRDwww_FOI/.
It is difficult to identify changes made to policies as a result of consultation as with the mainstreaming of equality pre-consultation with relevant groups helps to ensure that policy proposals take account of Section 75 issues from the outset. However, pages 28 to 30 of the five-year review of the equality scheme identify a number of changes made to policies as a result of consultation. These policies include: the regional transportation strategy, water reform, the regional planning policy statement on housing, the accessible transport strategy and the Blue Badge Scheme. The five-year review may be accessed on the department's website at www.drdni.gov.uk/DRDwww_FOISearch/document.asp?doc=9764.
DRD Draft Equality Impact Assessment Consultation Exercises
2001-02
Proposed Regional Discontinuance of Services on Antrim Knockmore Railway Line Transportation Strategy
2002-03
Regional Planning Policy Statement on Transportation and Land Use (PPS 13)
Review of Blue Badge Scheme
Provision of Pedestrian Facilities
2003-04
Review of Concessionary Fares
Regional Planning Policy Statement on Housing (PPS 12)
Operation and management of car parks
Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan
Transport Programme for People with Disabilities
2004-05
Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan
Regional Development Strategy—Housing Growth Indicators
Accessible Transport Strategy
Water Service Reform
Rural Transport Fund
2005-06
Sub-Regional Transport Plan
Reform and Rationalisation of Water Service
2006-07
Regional Planning Policy Statement on Retailing and Town Centres (PPS 5)
Regional Planning Policy Statement on Planning in the Countryside (PPS 14)
All-Ireland Free Travel Scheme
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, how many consultations the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland has arranged in each year since 1999; what those consultations were; and what groups they consulted; and [HL7640]
Regarding Section 75 groups recognised by paragraphs 4 and 5 of Schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, whether the groups consulted by the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland responded to any consultation; to what extent and in what form they addressed equality of opportunity issues; and whether any suggestions were made leading to a change in proposed policies.[HL7641]
The Equality Commission formally approved the Departments Equality Scheme in March 2001. Since then, the department has formally consulted on 14 equality impact assessments as follows:
Provision of relevant, accurate and timely information and advice about Social Security benefits.
Private Sector Housing Grants.
Accommodation for Travellers.
Unauthorised Encampments.
District Council's Community Support Programme.
Child Support Northern Ireland Field Operations.
41 Compact between Government and Voluntary and Community Sector.
Urban Regeneration—Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.
Urban Regeneration—Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy for Belfast.
Urban Regeneration—Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy for other Regional Towns and Cities.
Urban Regeneration—Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy for the North West.
Uptake of Social Security Benefits.
Customer Service (access to Social Security Benefits).
Town/City centre reinvigoration.
The department consults a variety of groups and individuals who have requested that they be included in our equality consultee mailing list. The list is available on the department's website at www.dsdni.gov.uk.
In relation to whether and how groups respond to consultation, this information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, for every equality-related consultation issued, policy makers record to whom consultation documents are issued, who responded and what was said. A summary of consultation responses and more lately an analysis of these are published at the end of each individual consultation exercise. Information on the department’s annual progress report to the Equality Commission and the five-year review of the equality scheme is available on the website at www.dsdni.gov.uk.
In relation to policy changes, consultation is just one stage in the equality impact-assessment process. When equality is effectively mainstreamed into decision-making from the outset of the policy development process, it is very difficult to attribute specific developments or changes to any particular aspect of the policy development process.