Annual Report 2004.pdf - Equality Authority

From the ChiefExecutive OfficerNiall CrowleyChief Executive OfficerIntroductionThe Strategic Plan (2003 - 2005) establishesthe core priorities in the work of theEquality Authority. This work seeks tocontribute to a more accessible workplaceand labour market, to an equality focuswithin service provision that impacts onthe quality of people’s lives, to thedevelopment of effective equalitystrategies at national and local level andto addressing the interface betweenexperiences of poverty and inequality. Ittakes an integrated approach in embracingall nine grounds covered by the equalitylegislation - gender, family status, maritalstatus, age, disability, sexual orientation,race, religion and membership of theTraveller community. It also includesinitiatives specific to the disability ground,to the issue of racism and to equality forcarers. Finally work is also developed toenhance the effectiveness and efficiencyof the Equality Authority itself.2004 marks the midpoint in theimplementation of this strategic plan. Anumber of significant trends are evident inthe work carried out during 2004. Theseare:• The pursuit of strategic litigation thataddresses individual experiences ofdiscrimination as well as stimulatingchange in key sectors and contributingto a culture of compliance in relation toequality legislation.• The emphasis on practice and onembedding an equality dimension inemployment practices and in thepractice of providing goods andservices.• The development of new knowledgethat is both quantitative and qualitativeand that supports new understandingsof inequality and new strategies topromote equality.• The further development of theinfrastructure established to promoteequality and combat discrimination.• The deployment of public awarenesscampaigns as a key element in a widercommunications strategy.• The importance of partnership with awide range of institutions andorganisations in enhancing the impactand progress of the work of the EqualityAuthority.Strategic LitigationThe Equality Authority provides legaladvice and assistance to claimants incases under the equality legislation on thebasis of criteria established, and keptunder review, by the Board. These criteriaare set out in Appendix 4. These criteriaensure a strategic approach to litigationsupported by the Equality Authority. Thisstrategic approach ensures a coordinationbetween legal work and prioritiesEquality Authority Annual Report 2004 • 11