Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 7

Written Answers. - Abolition of Discrimination.

John Bruton

Question:

32 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the Constitution should be amended to prohibit all forms of discrimination either direct or indirect based on sex as recommended by the Second Commission on the Status of Women; his views on the recommendation that there would be an exception in this provision to protect positive measures designed to address imbalances resulting from past discrimination; and whether this provision should be permanent or temporary.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

This Government is fully committed to working towards the ending of all forms of discrimination in Irish life. To that end my Department is preparing two major pieces of legislation — on equal status and on employment equality — which will prohibit discrimination against women, minorities and persons with disabilities.

In the area of discrimination based on sex to which the Deputy refers, the anti-discrimination climate is also being pursued through, for example, ensuring that the impact on women of policy changes is taken fully into account and positive action to achieve gender balance in the membership of boards of State bodies.

When the legislation to which I have referred has been in operation for some time, it will then be possible to take an informed decision on the need for a constitutional amendment on equality.