Minister O’Gorman announces review of the Equality Acts
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From: Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Published on: 22 June 2021
- Last updated on: 22 June 2021
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman has announced his intention to conduct a review of the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts.
The review of the Equality Acts (Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015) will examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality.
Speaking at Free Legal Advice Centres seminar on the Future of Equality Law today, Minister O’Gorman said;
“The Equality Acts have been in place for over 20 years and, while they have been frequently amended in the intervening years, it is timely to take a deeper look at the legislation, to look at what is working and what is not working, and to identify where there may be gaps. We want to ensure that the legislation is as effective as possible in combatting discrimination and promoting equality”.
The Minister went on to say:
“The review will include the existing Programme for Government commitments on the introduction of a socio-economic ground for discrimination and the amendment of the gender ground. It would also include a review of current definitions for the other grounds, including in relation to disability.”
The first phase of a public consultation process will be launched in the coming days, inviting the views of the public and interested organisations on their own experience of the legislation and where they would recommend amendments. Further consultation will continue in the autumn. The Minister will then bring legislative proposals to Government in 2022.
ENDS
Note for the Editors:
The review of the Equality Acts (Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015) will include the Programme for Government commitments on the introduction of a socio-economic ground for discrimination and the amendment of the gender ground. It would also include a review of current definitions, including in relation to disability.
The review would examine the operation of the Acts from the perspective of the person taking a claim under its redress mechanisms. It would examine the degree to which those experiencing discrimination are aware of the legislation and whether there are practical or other obstacles, which preclude or deter them from taking an action. The review provides an opportunity to review other issues arising, including whether or not further additional equality grounds should be added, whether existing exemptions should be removed or modified and whether or not the existing legislation adequately addresses issues of intersectionality. The review will also examine issues, which have been raised by IHREC, or raised in the context of reporting to international treaty bodies.
Details of the public consultation process will be announced in the coming days.
Issued by the Press and Communications Office at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Tel: 01 647 - 3153/3114
Email: media@equality.gov.ie