asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he supports the MacBride Principles; his views on whether they are a sound basis for policies related to equal opportunity in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - MacBride Principles.
25.
As regards the MacBride Principles, we know that many Americans support these because of their concern to ensure an end to discrimination in employment in Northern Ireland and we find the principles themselves unobjectionable.
The Government's policy is to press for action by the British Government on measures in the short and medium term aimed at promoting equality of opportunity in Northern Ireland and eliminating discrimination. This means new and effective legislation and affirmative action on the ground. At the last meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference on 22 April both sides agreed on the need for progress both in legislation and practice. I intend to review carefully developments on this whole subject which will be discussed again at the next meeting of the conference. At the same time we want to see overseas investment sustained and increased in Northern Ireland so that jobs can be created and allocated on an equality of opportunity basis.