Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 22 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Intertrade Ireland

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 9 March 2006, Official Report, column 1739–40W, on Intertrade Ireland, what steps are being taken to ensure that the work force of Intertrade Ireland more closely reflects the community composition of Northern Ireland.

Answer: The religious make up of InterTrade Ireland (ITI) shows a slight under-representation in employees from the Protestant community when compared to the community balance in the Newry and Mourne area, its primary employment catchment area. Fair participation in employment is dependent on a number of relevant factors, including workplace location. ITI has carried out an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on its employment practices and prepared an Article 55 Report and, resulting from this work, is currently considering, in consultation with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, the actions required to attract more job applications from the Protestant community. The InterTrade Ireland Board has approved a number of affirmative action measures.

Secondary information