Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Some months ago I obtained from Mid & East Antrim Borough Council figures on its appointments to senior posts since the new council came into existence. These figures showed disparity in the respective success rate of Protestant and Catholic applicants, with disadvantage in respect of Protestant applicants.
“In consequence I had a rather unproductive meeting with the Chief Executive before Christmas. At this meeting the Chief Executive contended the figures – which were supplied by the council – were deficient and could not be relied on to draw the conclusions reached. Ms Donaghy promised to send me their revised data, which it was claimed would show no disadvantage for Protestants.
“In due course by letter of 18 January 2018 the council supplied fresh figures and interpretation. I had some issues with the exclusion of certain recruitment competitions from the figures but proceeded to analyse the new figures as supplied by the council.
“Far from demonstrating equality of opportunity I discovered even these figures demonstrated disadvantage for Protestant applicants for senior posts. In the competitions considered 17 Protestants were appointed out of 76 Protestant applicants (one appointment for every 4.47 Protestant applicants), whereas 14 Catholics were appointed out of 53 Catholic applicants (one appointment for every 3.78 Catholic applicants).
“Hence, confirmation of the matter of which I have been complaining – a Roman Catholic applicant stands a better chance – almost a 20% better chance – of being appointed to a senior post, in comparison to a Protestant applicant.
“Naturally, I wrote back to Ms Donaghy asking why this was, pointing out that my question over disadvantage remained unanswered and indeed has not been faced up to.
“The recent response from the Chief Executive is remarkable in its continuing failure to address the issue and makes no attempt to explain the irrefutable fact that Roman Catholic applicants have had a 20% better success rate than Protestant applicants when it comes to being appointed to a senior post in Mid & East Antrim Council. Again, I ask, why?
“Clearly, the Council has no answer. Ms Donaghy says ‘I do not have anything further to add to the information that I have already provided to you on this subject.’ She gives no explanation as to why Protestants have fared less well than Catholics when it comes to senior council appointments.
“This disadvantage towards Protestant applicants is not acceptable and it is not good enough to try and sweep it under the carpet. The Council needs to explain itself. It has not done so. It needs to urgently review its processes so that a Protestant applicant for a senior post can expect as much chance of success as a Catholic applicant.
“I and my party will continue to monitor the council on this important issue of equality and respect.”