It is the function of the European Commission itself rather than my Department to gender proof all actions and measures emanating from the European Commission. The Government is, however, committed to gender proofing of national programmes supported by EU Structural Funds, as set out in the National Development Plan.
Arising from that commitment the Human Resources Operational Programme contains, for the first time, a section on promoting equal opportunities, involving the ring-fencing of funds amounting to £7.7 million during the period to 1999. My Department is involved in monitoring the implementation of this programme and will pay particular attention to the progress of quality targets in this programme and in the Urban and Rural Development Operational Programme. My Department also examines proposals for action in the social policy field, which relate to my area of responsibility, with a view to profiling equal opportunities issues.
In the Irish Government response to the European Commission Green Paper entitled "European Social Policy-Options for the Union", my Department was instrumental in raising with the Commission the desirability of all Community-funded initiatives being subjected to an equality proofing system which would encompass not only gender proofing but also disability proofing.
The approach by my Department to profiling equality in respect of European Commission policy and action initiatives in the social policy area affecting my Department will continue to apply to reflect the importance given to this issue by the Government.
As regards disability proofing there is no agreed Community policy in place to ensure that Commission initiatives contain such provisions. My Department participate in the deliberations of the HELIOS II European Union Programme for the exchange of information between member states on various measures, including good practice, in relation to people with disabilities. I understand that the question of disability proofing is being discussed in that forum.
I understand that the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities is also considering this issue and will put forward its views on the subject, in due course, when submitting its report.
In the light of the circumstances I have outlined I do not believe it would be proper for me, at this stage, to embark on unilateral action in relation to disability proofing which could preempt or prejudice developments in the other fora which are examining the question.