Vol. 469 No. 4
22 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the legislative initiatives, if any, he intends taking, outside the proposed Equal Status Bill, to bring Ireland into line with the various EU initiatives and agreements in the field of race relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17296/96]
There are a number of EU instruments which deal with racism and xenophobia, specifically in the fields of employment and social affairs. None of these instruments is legally binding.
The Employment Equality Bill, 1996 provides specific protection against racial discrimination in employment. The provisions of the Bill once enacted will amply respond to the proposals for best practice with regard to anti-discrimination envisaged in these EU instruments.
