Speaking Notes Renee Dempsey, Chief Executive Officer
at the Launch of the Equality Authority's Annual Report 2009
Dublin Castle 12 July 2010.
Welcome Minister, Chairperson, Board Members and guests to to-day's launch of the Annual Report of the Equality Authority 2009.
When I was appointed to the position of Chief Executive of the Equality Authority in May 2009 I knew already that there were many challenges ahead. I am happy to report that, thanks to the terrific efforts of the Board and staff, the Authority had risen to those challenges and it is a great credit to all.
As can be seen from this Report, the activities of the Authority were sustained very successfully and I wish particularly to acknowledge the work of Richard Fallon in this regard. He was acting Chief Executive for the first part of the year and kindly guided me in my first period with the Authority. I also want to acknowledge the strong and continuing support and guidance from all the staff of the Authority.
Our business in the Equality Authority is guided principally by our Strategic Plan for 2009-2011, entitled "Equality for All in a Time of Change". The Strategic plan does not come from nowhere. It is a key document, and is the result of considerable endeavour by all in the Authority and its Board. It is based on contributions and submissions from interested stakeholders as well as from a process of public regional consultations. It is grounded in the current economic reality, and is both ambitious and strategic. It is our job to deliver the Strategy through our annual business plan.
Key objectives of the Strategy include
- raising awareness of rights under equality legislation; pursuing strategic casework;
- encouraging and supporting initiatives to promote equality, value diversity and combat discrimination;
- building the evidence base on diversity, current inequality and discrimination;
- enhancing public understanding of equality issues;
- disseminating and communicating information to the public; and
- enhancing the capacity of the Equality Authority with due regard to resources and environment.
Thanks to the hard work and commitment of all in the Equality Authority, 2009 has been a successful year, and the Report makes interesting reading as it sets out in detail our achievements across our remit and the shared achievements with partners.
The work of the organisation was affected, naturally, by changed circumstances, and restoring stability in the organisation has been a key priority. Management and Staff responded exceptionally to achieve this with exceptional loyalty to the remit and commitment to its delivery. Maintaining high commitment to stakeholders, clients and the public was at the heart of this service delivery. The guidance of the Board and the support of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform was invaluable during this period.
The development of the Equality Authority offices in Roscrea continued during 2009 and it is operating very successfully. The team there are committed and hard working, and all work to ensure that bi-location works. Given that some of the key elements of the Authority are based there, it is essential that there is regular bi-location at the highest level. Effective and efficient linkages, communications and oversight in the two locations ensures that they continue to achieve excellence in delivery of the work of the Equality Authority.
We have successfully completed another year, and I wish to thank everyone for their contribution to this success. I wish to acknowledge the commitment of colleagues past and present, and the hugely important contribution of the Board. Together they made it all possible.
I will now ask the Chairperson of the Board of the Equality Authority, Angela Kerins, to give her take on the year, and after that, to pass the task of officially launching the Annual Report to Minister Carey.
- Annual Report 2009
The Annual Report for the Equality Authority for the year 2009
- Equality Authority Annual Report 2009 Launched
Press Release - 12 Jul 2010
- Speaking Notes Minister Pat Carey TD
Address by the Minister of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr. Pat Carey, T.D., at the launch of the Equality Authority's Annual Report for 2009 on 12th July 2010
- Speaking Notes Angela Kerins, Chairperson
Address by Angela Kerins, Chairperson, at the launch of the Equality Authority's Annual Report for 2009 on 12th July 2010
