Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made in his Department on the roll out of the poverty impact assessment to ensure that all policies are evaluated in terms of their potential impact on poverty and social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24105/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Following a review of the poverty proofing process, the Office for Social Inclusion produced a revised set of guidelines for what is now termed Poverty Impact Assessment. The Office of Social Inclusion presented the new guidelines to officials of my Department and my Department and its agencies, including FÁS in particular, is following the guidelines in relation to the evaluation of the impact of policies on poverty and social inclusion.

Since the introduction of the roll-out of poverty impact assessments in 1999 there have been several developments with regard to proofing processes in FÁS, including equality proofing, the integration of processes and localising procedures. Equality, social inclusion and diversity has always been a priority for FÁS. The organisation's most recent high-level commitment to ensuring equality for all its customers is articulated through Priority Goal 6 in 'Building on our Vision: Statement of Strategy 2006-2009': "To promote the removal of barriers and help provide supports which ensure access to programmes, services and employment for individuals and groups experiencing exclusion, discrimination and labour market disadvantage."

Priority Goals give rise to a set of actions necessary for implementation, and a series of goal-specific Performance Management Indicators which will measure outcomes and effectiveness. In the case of Priority Goal 6, these actions will result in the mainstreaming of equality measures throughout all parts of the organisation as a core element of the FÁS approach to doing business. The fulfilment of Priority Goal 6 will serve to ensure that the approach to equality is coherent throughout the organisation, and is embedded at the core of all FÁS practice.

FÁS has implemented regional equality proofing activity plans across its Employment Services Division and the process of rolling out equality proofing in other FÁS operational divisions is underway. FÁS is committed to this process through its Statement of Strategy 2006-2009.