P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the review of the Equality Authority; the costs associated with that review; the further position regarding the report conducted by Department of Justice and Law Reform; the cost of that report; the main recommendations of that report; if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25732/10]

Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I have commenced work on a review of the legislation, structures and arrangements involving the Equality Authority, the Equality Tribunal and the Irish Human Rights Commission in order to enhance equality in an effective way. As part of this process, a scoping exercise has been initiated on the better integration of equality, human rights and social inclusion policy formulation and implementation. Tenders were sought on 11 June for the production of three background papers identifying issues that will need to be addressed in the review. The tender documentation can be downloaded at the public sector procurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie The Deputy will appreciate that at this stage of the tender process, I am not in a position to provide costing details.

The value for money review referred to by the Deputy, which was commissioned by the then Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has been completed. Its findings, where relevant, will fall to be considered in the context of the more wide-ranging review which I am carrying out. I am informed that to date a sum of €36,450 has been expended on the value for money review. Publication of this report will be considered when my review is completed.