Ivor Callely
Question:32 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the issues, if any, currently being considered by his Department where equality is in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20695/96]
Vol. 471 No. 3
32 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the issues, if any, currently being considered by his Department where equality is in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20695/96]
Given that equality issues impact throughout each area in my Department, I propose to approach the reply by identifying work currently being pursued by my Department in relation to equality and equal status.
Three pieces of legislation which will promote equality are currently being progressed.
The Employment Equality Bill currently before the Dáil will seek to outlaw discrimination in employment on grounds of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, race and membership of the travelling community. It makes explicit provision with regard to indirect discrimination and harrassment and sets out redress procedures, including the creation of a new Office of Director of Equality Investigations, for persons who seek to complain of unequal treatment. Provision is also made for the establishment of an Equality Authority whose powers will include preparation of codes of practice and equality reviews and action plans.
The Equal Status Bill will seek to outlaw discrimination on the nine discriminatory grounds already stated. It will apply to non-workplace areas, including education, provision of goods and services and disposal of property and accommodation and will also contain measures to deal with discrimination by registered clubs. Services will be defined broadly to include access to public places, banking and insurance services, entertainment, facilities for refreshment and transport.
The Registration of Births (Amendment) Bill will amend the form of the birth certificate in order to remove gender inequalities in the particulars registered.
In addition, the work of my Department includes preparation of legislation on parental leave and the progress of EU Commission proposals for directives on burden of proof and positive action in an employment equality context.
Equality issues also arise for my Department with regard to commitments in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work, child care developments and promotion of equal opportunities in employment generally.