Written Answers. - Legislation on Discrimination.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:
14
Mr. Rabbitte
asked the
Minister for Equality and Law Reform
his response, as Minister with overall responsibility for the travelling community, to recent events in Glenamaddy, County Galway involving clashes between local residents and travellers; when it is intended to introduce legislation to outlaw discrimination against travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Task Force on the Travelling Community, which was set up by me on foot of a commitment contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government, has set up a sub-committee to examine the discrimination experienced by travellers and to make recommendations aimed at promoting mutual understanding and respect between the travelling community and the settled community. At the same time, I have been keeping in touch with events in relation to travellers and with the situation in Glenamaddy as it developed. I arranged for my programme manager and a senior official from my Department to attend the court case which preceded the events of Monday 11 October.
As I indicated in my press statement of 12 October, I was extremely concerned at the reports of the disturbances in Glenamaddy. I condemn ouright any actions of physical violence as being totally inappropriate to the norms of a civilised community. The fundamental principle at issue is the right of each and every citizen of Ireland to access to public facilities on a basis of equality, whether a member of the travelling community or not.
The Deputy will be aware that I have already indicated on numerous occasions I am bringing forward legislation to extend legal redress against discrimination in relation both to the employment and non-employment areas. The preparation of the proposed legislation on employment equality is progressing and I expect to introduce the legislation next year.
I hope to have the legislation in respect of non-employment areas passed in 1994. This legislation will prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services, including recreational facilities and service, entertainment, transport and professional services, accommodation and the disposal of property.
The grounds on which discrimination will be prohibited are those set out in the Programme for Government and include sex, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, religion, age, handicap, race, colour, nationality, or national or ethnic origins, or membership of the travelling community.
Discrimination by a publican against travellers will be prohibited. However, discrimination on grounds other than those referred to above, such as mis-behaviour, will be lawful.
