Is Northern Ireland equality legislation stronger than that in the rest of the United Kingdom?
Mr R Nesbitt: Yes. Mr Wells: So you are saying that, if we decide to seek an amendment, we should examine derogation from the legislation that pertains to the rest of the United Kingdom. Surely that is indictable if you have stronger equality legislation. There are bound to be instances — and more as time passes — where our equality situation is stronger than that in the rest of the UK. Would stronger legislation be a problem? Mr R Nesbitt: The situation would not be any different if there were a stronger system in England and Wales. We are talking about bankruptcy law versus an equality matter. The requirement is not absolute. However, even from a human rights aspect, bankruptcy law still takes precedence in the law in Great Britain. Mr Wells: Over equality? Mr R Nesbitt: Yes. Mr Wells: Insolvency, debt and suicide are often linked. The most obvious example is where someone cannot cope with their debts and has ended it all — something which has happened in my constituency. In a joint
