Sharon Fitchie DARD Equality & Better Regulations Advisory Branch Thursday 30 th May 2013
DARD - What we do Look after animal and plant health Fisheries, forestry and food Disease prevention – eg Ash dieback Rural Development Programme Support for support farm families Develop sustainable rural communities
Strategic Plan (2012 – 2020) Agric – food sector worth £1 billion+ Protecting against animal / plant diseases Support for farm-families to improve their economic income NI RDP ( ) Look after rural and marine environments Commitment to Equality outcomes Audit of Inequalities and targets
What’s ahead? DARD Strategic Plan ( ) Next NI RDP ( ) CAP Reform Relocating DARD HQ to several locations Reshaping of Government Depts Assembly Elections
Our team – What We Do Better Regs –identifying ways to reduce red tape S75 awareness raising, equality and good relations Advice on screening, EQIAs, policy development Input to, NI-wide strategies and action plans, UN reports Working with various sectoral groups / organisations Tackling the difficult areas
DARD approach – On-going engagement with sector groups / organisations Seek support from senior team Seek views, ideas and ways to collaborate Work to improve participation & representation Work to improve accessibility of services and info
Want More info? Write to - DARD Equality Branch Room 511, Dundonald House Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3SB Tel: E: W: