This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7056927.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Inequality 'still problem for NI' Equality 'at heart of government'
(about 5 hours later)
Too many children in Northern Ireland are still being born into a life of inequality, a conference in Belfast is to be told later. Equality and rights will be at the heart of Northern Ireland's government, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has told a conference in Belfast.
Bob Collins, chief commissioner of the Equality Commission, will address the issue at the commission's annual conference. Mr McGuinness was opening the Equality Commission's annual conference.
His keynote speech will outline the "key inequalities in Northern Ireland". "The programme for government, which will be published shortly, will place equality and rights at the heart of government," he said.
He added that work had already begun, including the introduction of age and sexual orientation legislation.
"New duties have been placed on public authorities to promote positive attitudes to people with disabilities and to increase their participation in public life.
"Government is committed to publishing the anti poverty and social exclusion strategy to tackle deprvation based on objective need.
"Gender action plans are being prepared and work on social inclusion focusing on older people and people with a disability is already under way," Mr McGuinness said.
It is a fact that we still have too many children born into a life which will struggle to give them an equal opportunity to play a full role in society Bob Collins, Equality Commission
Later, the conference will be told that too many children in Northern Ireland are still being born into a life of inequality.
Bob Collins, chief commissioner of the Equality Commission, will outline the "key inequalities in Northern Ireland".
Before the conference, Mr Collins said: "Equality is a real issue for everyone in today's Northern Ireland."Before the conference, Mr Collins said: "Equality is a real issue for everyone in today's Northern Ireland."
"Its full meaning is revealed when set against the harsh reality of inequality."Its full meaning is revealed when set against the harsh reality of inequality.
"It is a fact that we still have too many children born into a life which will struggle to give them an equal opportunity to play a full role in society and develop their talents to the full.""It is a fact that we still have too many children born into a life which will struggle to give them an equal opportunity to play a full role in society and develop their talents to the full."
Mr Collins said the commission wanted to see greater awareness of the problem so that action could be taken on it.Mr Collins said the commission wanted to see greater awareness of the problem so that action could be taken on it.