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 Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland has arranged in each year since 1999; what those consultations were; and what groups they consulted.[HL7587]
DETI commenced equality-related consultations in line with its obligations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 once the department's equality scheme had been approved by the Equality Commission in April 2001. Between 2001-02 and 2005-06, DETI carried out eight such consultations. They were as follows:
2001-02
Industrial Development Act (Northern Ireland) 2002.
2002-03
Equality impact assessment on DETI policies in relation to support for existing industry and for the attraction of new inward investment.
Equality impact assessment on DETI policies in relation to support for companies to undertake research and development activity.
Equality impact assessment on DETI policies to assist companies to increase international competitiveness by promoting management development and encouraging employers to develop the skills and versatility of those in employment.
Energy Bill.
An assessment under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 of Insolvency Service policies 2003-04.
Equality impact assessment on DETI policy to encourage and maintain the most favourable regulatory climate for the growth of business, industry and commerce.
Equality impact assessment on DETI policy to promote and maintain a fair trading environment in which consumers are protected against malpractice and responsible business activity is encouraged.
For each of the above, DETI consulted with those groups and individuals who had requested that they be included on the consultation list which was established as part of the department's equality scheme for this purpose. A copy of this list will be placed in the Library.
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 Enterprise, Trade and Investment 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.[HL7588]
Summary details on responses to DETI equality-related consultation exercises are already in the public domain and can be accessed on the DETI website.