12/01/2007
Minister welcomes equality and diversity report
Equality Minister David Hanson has described the publication of a new equality and diversity report as “significant”.
Published today by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), the report entitled “Indicators of Equality and Diversity in Northern Ireland”, seeks to provide a local equality and diversity picture with recommendations for the way forward in terms of future monitoring.
David Hanson said: “We have in place a wide range of policies and strategies which aim to tackle inequalities and promote social inclusion. “I am pleased to see that this report highlights the significant improvements that there have been in reducing socio economic differentials. For example, in relation to the labour market, the report notes that unemployment has fallen and that there is now greater diversity in relation to the workplace. In terms of education, the level of qualifications including degree level qualifications has increased significantly.
“But clearly we need to do more in areas where social class and health inequalities persist and where people with disabilities and those from ethnic minority backgrounds continue to experience disadvantage.
“This research will greatly assist our assessment of the success of the policies we have over time.”
The research was conducted by a team headed by Dr Jim Jamison and two internationally recognised academics in the field, Professor Roy Car-Hill and Dr Paul Dixon.
It follows on from the commitment within the 2003 Joint Declaration to consider how best to measure and assess progress in relation to equality and social need.
(EF)
Published today by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), the report entitled “Indicators of Equality and Diversity in Northern Ireland”, seeks to provide a local equality and diversity picture with recommendations for the way forward in terms of future monitoring.
David Hanson said: “We have in place a wide range of policies and strategies which aim to tackle inequalities and promote social inclusion. “I am pleased to see that this report highlights the significant improvements that there have been in reducing socio economic differentials. For example, in relation to the labour market, the report notes that unemployment has fallen and that there is now greater diversity in relation to the workplace. In terms of education, the level of qualifications including degree level qualifications has increased significantly.
“But clearly we need to do more in areas where social class and health inequalities persist and where people with disabilities and those from ethnic minority backgrounds continue to experience disadvantage.
“This research will greatly assist our assessment of the success of the policies we have over time.”
The research was conducted by a team headed by Dr Jim Jamison and two internationally recognised academics in the field, Professor Roy Car-Hill and Dr Paul Dixon.
It follows on from the commitment within the 2003 Joint Declaration to consider how best to measure and assess progress in relation to equality and social need.
(EF)
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