Council reported to Equality Commission

Councillor Dolores Kelly has said the council has skipped the proper procedures and 'created' a position of deputy chief executive.

During a recent policy and resources committee debate, councillors clashed over the continued appointment of the interim chief executive and leisure services director.

During the debate it was suggested the council's deputy chief executive could act up to carry out duties as and when required.

However, it was argued that Craigavon did not have a deputy chief executive, something the council has refuted.

A statement from the council said it does have a deputy chief executive in post as previously discussed within council (PR98/2009).

Cllr Kelly has said the council has 'gifted' the position to the finance director.

She said: "This was not an existing position - the deputy chief executive was actually removed as a position within the council some years ago.

"The council has now decided to create this position and has gifted it to the finance director.

"I have lodged a complaint with the Equality Commission and they will launch an investigation."

During the committee meeting it was decided that interim chief executive Michael Docherty would be retained.

The council has said employing Mr Docherty for the 2009 and 2010 financial year cost 'just under 129,000'.

Councillor Dolores Kelly has disputed this, she added: "The council is not being open and honest with the ratepayer over the true cost.

"Mr Docherty only works a number of days during the year.

"There is a brand new road sweeper parked up in the Carn depot not being used because no one is trained to use it.

"Yet the council is paying out thousands for Mr Docherty's travel and living expenses."

A council spokeswoman said staff are trained to use the sweeper but the equipment is not being used currently due to circumstances.

A spokesman for the Equality Commission said correspondence had been received by Councillor Kelly and it was under consideration.