To ask the Minister for the Economy what process her Department uses to ensure that all policies and legislation proactively enables inclusion and equity, particularly for people with disabilities and black and ethnic minority persons.

Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and regard to the desirability of promoting good relations across a range of categories outlined in the Act, including people with disabilities, and black and ethnic minority persons. My Department publishes an Equality Scheme (2016-21) that sets out how we fulfil the Section 75 statutory duties, including our procedures to promote equality of opportunity. The Equality Scheme is available at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/economy/DfE-Equality-Scheme-2016-2021.pdf.

Also, in line with Section 75 guidance issued by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, my Department undertakes an audit of inequalities to identify potential inequalities, across all of the Section 75 categories, relevant to our functions. This provides the basis for an action plan to promote equality of opportunity and good relations. Our Audit and associated Action Plan provide a strategic overview of inequalities and sets out the actions by which we intend to address inequality. The Audit of Inequalities and Action Plan are available at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/consultations/economy/Draft-2016-2021-Audit-of-Inequalities.pdf

With regard to disability, my Department is required to discharge important duties under Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995). This requires us, when carrying out our functions, to have due regard to the need to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people, and to encourage participation by disabled people in public life. These are collectively referred to as the ‘disability duties'. My Department publishes a Disability Action Plan that sets out how we fulfil our obligations in respect of our disability duties under the DDA 1995. The Disability Action Plan is available at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/consultations/economy/Draft-2016-2021-Disability-Action-Plan.pdf .