complaints procedures, the judicial system and delays in the criminal justice system. 48. The Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976 outlawed religious and political discrimination in employment, and established a Fair Employment Agency to advise and assist potential complainants and to investigate employers' employment practices where necessary. Advice to employers was also provided by the Government in 1978 in the form of a "Guide to manpower policies and practices" - this was superseded in 1987 by a new "Guide to effective practice". 49. The Government has now introduced legislation to strengthen the existing law on religious discrimination in employment in Northern Ireland. Under the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1989, the Fair Employment Agency is replaced by a new Fair Employment Commission, with increased staff and financial resources and with wide powers of investigation and inquiry. The Act also establishes a Fair Employment Tribunal which will adjudicate on individual cases of alleged religious discrimination and enforce directions of the Commission. Unintentional or indirect discrimination has been made illegal. New obligations are imposed on public and private sector employers, who must register with the Commission, monitor the religious composition of their work force (and, in some cases, their applicants) and submit annual returns to the Commission. Failure to register, or to submit returns, are among a series of criminal offences attracting substantial fines. lL^/™lth^e70le, f1 employer in breach °f an order of compliance of the Fair poyment Tribunal may receive a monetary penalty of up to £30,000. Any employer who is in breach of his obligations under the new Act may not be considered for public sector contracts and will not be eligible for government CCPR/C/58/Add.6 page 11 grants. The Government is now working to ensure speedy and effective implementation of the Act and is confident that substantial progress will be 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing employment-related policies and regulations in Northern Ireland, specifically addressing issues of religious and political discrimination, employment practices, and the role of government agencies in ensuring compliance with fair employment laws.

**Category**
Employment