‘The Equality Authority’s vision for an equal society is clear and strong and we will pursue this with leadership, passion and vigour’, said its Chairperson Angela Kerins, at the launch of the Equality Authority’s fourth Strategic Plan today. ‘The doors of the Equality Authority are wide open and we welcome all those who have an interest in working with us. This is a very important point as there have been a number of misleading comments that the Authority is either defunct or ineffective. These misleading statements have caused grave uncertainty for those experiencing discrimination at this very moment. On behalf of the Authority I want to assure everyone that the Authority is very much open for business and eager to pursue equality with vigour and determination”.
“Let there be no doubt that the equality agenda and the work of the Equality Authority is owned by every man, woman, and child in Ireland. We are determined that everyone who has an interest in our work will feel a part of it, and that no one will feel that the Authority does not have a real concern about an issue which affects their dignity or their equality. My hope is that more people will participate in the work of the Equality Authority, thereby broadening its reach, reinforcing its worth and contributing to its success in the delivery of this Strategic Plan. ‘, she added.
The Strategic Plan ‘Equality for All in a Time of Change’ affirms an ambition to include all voices in the policy and work programmes of the Equality Authority, and to pursue the strategic activities with renewed strength and ambition. This Strategic Plan has been prepared over the past six months in consultation with a wide range of contributions including those from the general public, employers, trade unions, community and voluntary sector, the business sector, government and state agencies.
The Strategic Plan was launched in the Equality Authority’s Dublin Office, where Professor John Fitzgerald of the ESRI noted the economic context for the new Plan. ‘The severe deterioration in the Irish labour market is going to raise new problems for policy makers, as unemployment rises rapidly it is affecting all sectors. When the economy begins to recover those unemployed with a good education and qualifications will again find employment. However, of those who previously worked, a limited education will prove to be barrier to finding employment in a rather different economy. In a very difficult labour market those with any special disadvantage will find it very difficult to compete’ he concluded.
Richard Fallon, Acting Chief Executive introduced the elements of the Strategic Plan. ‘Our legislative framework and the nine grounds of discrimination it has protected from discrimination, remains a highly versatile means of fostering equality and realising it for more and more people.
‘At the Equality Authority, this will be pursued through practical strategies to meet real needs, for real people, in real time. These strategies, outlined in this Plan, will help to harness the energy of people who really want to make a difference in the equality sphere and to support those who are experiencing inequality in their quest for redress. In short, this latest Strategic Plan for 2009-2011 strives to exploit the vision and enlightenment of our equality legislation in meeting the new challenges we face over the next three years’ he added.
Angela Kerins concluded the launch by stating ‘Let there be no mistake we shall continue to pursue, without fear or favour, anyone who would discriminate against some of the weakest sections of our society. We will continue to challenge those who would settle for a world where, if you happen to have a disability, or are a pensioner, or are gay, or a Traveller that it’s ok to treat you as a second class citizen.
We will continue to fight for equality for all of us, recognising that no one person deserves to be treated more favourably than another because of the colour of their skin, or the God they believe in. The Equality Authority is here and ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who share our concerns and our dream of dignity and equality for all in a time of change.”
All six strategic goals combine to reflect the work we will undertake –
1. Rights &Responsibilities
The Equality Authority following a national and regional consultative process, will prioritise improving awareness of rights and responsibilities in relation to equality legislation focusing on those groups who have a higher risk of discrimination across the nine grounds.
2. Access To Rights
This goal prioritises strategic casework to continue to develop a culture of compliance with equality legislation and to further eliminate discrimination by using the existing powers of the Equality Authority to best strategic effect.
3. Partnership For Equality in Employment & Service Provision
This strategic goal takes a proactive approach by encouraging employers and service providers in key sectors to promote equality and achieve compliance with equality legislation. It encourages initiatives to promote equality and value diversity and combat discrimination in service provision; implement initiatives to promote equality, value diversity and combat discrimination in employment and vocational training; implement an action plan that supports a legacy from the European Year of Equal Opportunities For All; and develops partnerships with organisations that support good equality practice in new sectors.
4. Evidence For & Understanding of Equality
This goal reflects the importance of producing evidence for and creating understanding of equality issues. The national and regional consultation process identified the need to develop the evidence base on equality and discrimination to further enhance effective responses to these issues; to build on and develop the business case for equality; to enhance and to further develop public understanding of equality and diversity and to engage with the European Union and other International institutions and with equality bodies across the European Union.
5. Equality Issues
This goal sets out our practical responses to critical priority issues identified with groups experiencing inequality, by supporting initiatives responding to priority issues for specific equality grounds through the European Year Legacy Action Plan by promoting the status of men as carers. Specifically it will focus on the equal sharing of caring rights and responsibilities; promoting access to a health treatment path for transsexual people; supporting service providers and employers in meeting their responsibilities under the Equal Status legislation; promoting family diversity day; supporting a response to accommodation issues for lone parents; supporting the recommendations of the Working Group on Domestic Partnerships on rights for lesbian and gay people. It will also support action to achieve access for people with disabilities; promoting access for Travellers to mainstream services; and by taking initiatives that further equality for groups and individuals experiencing inequality.
6. Capacity Building
This goal prioritises an effective and efficient Equality Authority within a changing environment to achieve a stabilised environment.
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Later on Wednesday, the Chairperson welcomed the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD to a meeting with the Board of the Authority.
ENDS