Patrick McCartan
Ceist:15 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Labour if he has any plans to provide additional staff or resources for the Employment Equality Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Equality Agency.
The questions of staffing and resources for the Employment Equality Agency are being considered in the context of the 1991 Estimates which are being finalised at the moment.
I believe that the agency are doing good work and I have been trying, within the financial constraints that operate, to ensure that they have adequate resources to carry out their work.
Arising from the Minister's reply, I am sure he accepts that it is not consistent, to put it at its mildest, for us to argue as we have on a number of questions today on the need for further equality in the workforce and at the same time for the Employment Equality Agency to be hampered by a shortage of staff. To my knowledge, only a single issue of equality news issued this year specifically on the claim of the Employment Equality Agency because of a shortage of staff. I urge the Minister in the 1991 Estimates to make specific provision to ensure that the agency get the badly needed staff resources which are necessary.
I understand there is no staffing difficulty in the agency. My note says a research post has been sanctioned for the agency and discussions have been ongoing about the filling of that post. I do not know of any other staffing difficulties.
My question relates to funding for research which, together with the provision of additional staff, the Employment Equality Agency is most in need of. May I ask the Minister if resources, particularly in the area of women in work, can be budgeted for this year to the level needed?
I understand that this research post was sanctioned but it has not yet been filled. This issue is being examined and I will certainly try to fill this post in 1991. With regard to funding on the non-pay side, they budgeted for an increase this year which we are trying to cover.