- 2009 was challenging year but key targets met or exceeded
- Vital services to the public maintained – significant numbers of cases dealt with, and queries responded to, over course of year
Monday, July 12th – The Equality Authority has today launched its Annual Report 2009 which has set out a detailed report on the activities of the Authority in the pursuit of its strategic goals and objectives.
These include raising awareness of rights under equality legislation, furthering the elimination of discrimination, and encouraging and supporting initiatives to promote equality, value diversity and combat discrimination.
The budget for the Equality Authority was curtailed significantly for 2009 due to the current economic situation. However, the Equality Authority was very focussed on maintaining both its role and the level of services offered by the Authority, and considerable efforts were made to minimise any effect from this cut on members of the public.
Significant steps forward were taken in the promotion of equality in Ireland in 2009. The publication of the Civil Partnership Bill last year culminated in the recent passing of this legislation through both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Equality Authority was a voice for same-sex couples, and their children, in this debate – both in 2009 and the current year.
In addition, the Equality Authority engaged in significant consultation and outreach with stakeholder bodies, reviewed cases within its Legal Section to ensure that cases were progressed as quickly as possible, and made efficiency changes to improve governance and management.
Speaking at the launch, Angela Kerins, Chairperson of the Equality Authority, commented:
“In these times equality is more relevant than ever. A society which embraces diversity and encourages individual skills and ambitions is a smart society. Therefore, rather than being an optional extra in times of prosperity, I believe that our commitment, as a society, to equality and fairness will not only be beneficial to us all, but will also be a key element of our economic revival.
“2009 was a very challenging time for the Equality Authority. However, notwithstanding this, the Authority had a successful year and exceeded its targets by responding to more than 8,000 enquiries from the public. In addition, a total of 878 case files were processed, with 213 new case files being opened and 658 case files closed. Given the 2009 budget cuts, this work rate is testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Equality Authority team.
“Change can bring opportunity and in this period of change we have experienced the unleashing of talent, renewed vigour, motivation, the drive to work in new and smarter ways, to collaborate, to achieve, to be flexible and responsive as well as anticipating and branching into exciting new areas of activity. Our targets have been achieved by a greater focus on partnership, identification of synergies with other organisations and the dedication of our staff and Board to achieve more with less. We have worked on the essential principle that it is not what we spend but what we achieve and how we achieve it that counts”.
Reneé Dempsey, CEO of the Equality Authority, commented:
“I was honoured to take up the position of Chief Executive of the Equality Authority in June 2009. Clearly it was a challenging year and the challenge was met with great commitment by the Board and staff of the organisation.
“During the year we have focused on core tasks, namely to raise awareness of rights under equality legislation, enhance public understanding of equality issues, and disseminate and communicate information to the public.
“I am particularly pleased with the practical steps that were taken by the Equality Authority to combat discrimination in commercial and sporting environments. For example, we are working with individual sectors such as the hospitality sector and the mushrooms producers as well as with IBEC and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
“In addition, the Equality Authority commenced work with the GAA to develop and deliver a programme of equality workshops for its officials around the country. For the coming period the Equality Authority will continue to build on these achievements.”
Ends