Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Jul 1995

Vol. 455 No. 4

Written Answers. - Equality Policy.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Ceist:

19 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to develop closer co-operation with the European Commission in order to ensure partnership at all levels in the pursuit of equality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12287/95]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

Through the Council of Ministers for Social Affairs, I maintain regular contact with the European Commission, and I have made clear Ireland's support for the draft directives on the burden of proof and parental leave. These draft directives had important equality dimensions.

At official level, Ireland has a permanent social affairs representative to the European Community who maintains a permanent link between the European Community and Irish Government interests. This representative's brief includes quality matters.

My Department has regular contacts with the European Commission on the review and development of equality policy and action programmes. In addition, my Department has an input to EU social policy in general via the Department of Enterprise and Employments which is the lead Department for this area.

My Department's participation in the production of the National Development Plan has ensured the inclusion of equality related projects for funding under the EU Community Support Framework. The Department also participates on the monitoring committee required by the European Community to oversee activity and spending on the Human Resources Operational Programme. This monitoring committee also has a function in overseeing the gender proofing aspects and activities funded under the European Social Fund.

My Department co-operates with the Commission through its active involvement on the selection committee for projects to be funded by the EU under the Employment NOW — New Opportunities for Women — initiative. This initiative's objective is to increase the participation in integration of women in the labour market through the development of transitional and innovative pilot projects.

The strong partnership approach with the Commission on equality matters is also evident in the ongoing operations of the Employment Equality Agency, which is under the aegis of my Department. The agency is represented on the Commission's advisory committee on equal opportunities for women and men and the agency's chief executive currently holds the position of vice president of the committee. Also, in cooperation with the Commission, the agency is conducting two national projects related to equality which are financed on a co-funding basis between the agency and the Commission. The quality through equality project aims at the development of models of good practice of gender equality in both the public and private sectors. Under the other joint Commission/Agency project a national animation strategy is being developed through individual projects designed to assist with the implementation of European equality law and the integration of women into the labour market.

I record my appreciation for the support and assistance regularly afforded by the Commission in the work of promoting and progressing equality objectives. I look forward to continued cooperation and partnership with the Commission in this work.