Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding contacts he has had with the Equality Authority regarding difficulties they will face as a result of his decision to cut their budget by 42% for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46749/08]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his vision for the future of the Equality Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47127/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.

I have already dealt with many of the issues raised by the Deputies in my earlier reply to Question No. 2.

As I said since it became fully operational in 1999 over 45 million euro has been provided by the State for the activities of the Equality Authority alone. In total, in the last five years my Department alone has spent €127 million on equality and disability issues. By any objective analysis, that is a clear statement of the Government's strong commitment to building an inclusive society rooted in the principles of equality of opportunity and fairness for all.

A robust and effective equality infrastructure has been developed in this country over the last number of years. The Government will continue to strengthen this infrastructure so that persons who do experience discrimination and inequality can continue to exercise, without impediment, their constitutional rights. This is why I ensured additional funding of €340,000, an increase of 15%, will be provided to the Equality Tribunal in 2009 — the Body which actually adjudicates on individual claims of inequality. The additional support the Government is provided to the Tribunal reflects the priority which I believe should be given to persons who have a grievance in this respect.

The total budget for State equality bodies in 2009 is almost €7.5m. In the times we are in, that is a significant sum of money. When account is taken of all equality issues including disability, integration, gender based violence as well as human rights, the budget for next year is €25.5m. If proof is needed of my commitment and that of the Government to making Ireland a more equal place, then I would suggest you hardly need to look further than that.

As to contacts I have had with the Equality Authority, most recently, I met the representatives of the Authority last week at which they put forward a "Management Plan". Under the Plan the Authority wanted to retain current staffing levels at 53. They also wanted the Department, out of its own budget, to put forward extra non-pay expenditure of €0.7m. In total the Authority wanted a minimum allocation of €4m compared to the allocation of €3.33m announced by the Government. For the reasons I have mentioned — allowing for the Exchequer position, the clear need for economies and the establishment of priorities in my Department — I did not support the Authority's claims for more money in 2009. At any rate, that money is simply not there.

That the Chief Executive and one member of the Authority (Therese Murphy) should decide to resign from the Authority at this time is, of course, regrettable. I do not as Minister shares their views about the continued viability of the Authority. The Authority, based in Roscrea in new headquarters and staffed by the full complement of persons committed to being there will, I am satisfied, continue to be vibrant and effective.

I have said I accept that 2009 will be a difficult year for the Equality Authority and indeed other agencies in the Justice area. However, I am satisfied that the Authority can fulfil its core functions within the allotted financial envelope. I welcome the Board's statement in this regard and its stated commitment and determination to continue work effectively and independently for the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality on our society.