Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland - 4th Equality Scheme, Disability and Equality Action Plans for 2022-23 and 2023-24

Overview

You are invited to take part in a joint consultation on the above.

4^th PPS Equality Scheme

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.

The Equality Scheme sets out how the PPS proposes to fulfil its Section 75 statutory duties.

The PPS was established as a non-ministerial department following the devolution of policing and justice matters in April 2010. In accordance with Section 42(1) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 the functions of the Director are exercised by him independently of any other person.

It should be noted that matters relating to the prosecution of offences are excluded from Section 75 by Section 38 of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002. The terms of the Equality Scheme should be read in this statutory context.

The Equality Scheme which has been drawn up in accordance with Section 75 and Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 and Equality Commission guidelines.

Draft PPS Disability Action Plan – 2022/23 – 2023/24

Under Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995), (as amended by Article 5 of the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006) the PPS is required when carrying out its 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 (“the disability duties”). 

Matters relating to the prosecution of offences are excluded by virtue of Section 49A(2)(a) of the DDA 1995.

This draft plan sets out how we will work to achieve these goals.  The plan makes a clear statement of our commitment to effectively fulfilling these disability duties.

Draft PPS Equality Action Plan – 2022/23 – 2023/24

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) is a designated public authority for the purposes of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.  It should be noted that the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 added the Director of Public Prosecutions to the list of persons to which Section 75 of the NI Act 1998 applies but in so doing excluded “any functions relating to the prosecution of offences”.

This action plan has been produced in accordance with the commitments set out in the PPS’s Equality Scheme. It is based on an assessment by the Service of those areas where outcomes could be improved in terms of our Section 75 responsibilities.

Why your views matter

Your views are very important to us and we would be extremely grateful if you could provide them using the option below. Alternatively, please email info@ppsni.gov.uk

Your opinions can be given anonymously. Your feedback is voluntary and will be confidential. All responses will be compiled together and analysed as a group – responses will not be attributable to any individual. Thank you.

If you have any queries, please contact us at: Ryan.McGuinness@ppsni.gov.uk