Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. The fact that he is here to address this matter is very telling and I suspect there might be some good news. I actually raised this matter on the Adjournment this time last year because the Equality Authority provided what I would describe as extremely cost-effective and successful equality training for small and medium-sized businesses. Many of the businesses which availed of the training provided now have very strong equality statements in place and some of the things about which my good friend and colleague, Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, spoke are in place and people from myriad backgrounds, whether they are from different countries or ethnic groups or people with different disabilities, are working very successfully in the private sector, as the O2 ability awards have acknowledged. The training was funded primarily by the European Union and the Equality Authority through the Minister's Department, but, unfortunately, the programme was shelved a couple of years ago. The reply I received on the last occasion from a Minister speaking on the Minister's behalf outlined the fact that another panel would be established which would provide this service. The exact title of the panel was that it was a panel of equality experts for equality mainstreaming support to the SME sector. Expressions of interest were sought and a shortlist was drawn up, but the process has stalled.

I understand the funding being provided by the European union will come to an end at the end of 2013. As we are now in May, we really only have seven or eight months in which to facilitate companies in providing training through this very good initiative. I do not know what the reason for the blockage is. Perhaps the Minister is not even aware that there is a blockage, but I respectfully suggest to all parties concerned that it is a no-brainer; there is a need to establish the panel and get on with it because it is primarily being paid for by the European Union as part of its obligations under various UN conventions. We are on the cusp of ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and making ground-breaking changes in amalgamating the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission which will be the benchmark for equality services in this country for decades. It will establish very strong and powerful foundations which will help us to meet our international obligations. The problem is the enormous economic recession which has affected the SME sector very badly and, unfortunately, equality training and equality principles can be on the first line of attack when it comes to making cutbacks. Without funding from the European Union, companies will not be in a position to afford this training and it is incumbent on us to ensure it is provided.

I look forward to the Minister's reply which I hope will be as positive and comprehensive as that given to Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh.