Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

My Department, together with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Health and Children, is taking part in a pilot to test guidelines for proofing proposals regarding disability prepared by the Department of Justice and Equality, which is the lead Department in regard to equality issues. We will await the outcome of this pilot programme which involves cross-cutting issues relevant to various Departments. I take on board the suggestions the Deputy made. We will examine section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 which places a statutory obligation on Northern Ireland Departments and local authorities to have due regard, in carrying out their functions, to the need to promote equality of opportunity.

See this speech in context