Vol. 476 No. 2
21 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the response, if any, he has made to the criticisms of the provisions of the Employment Equality Bill by the Employment Equality Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6644/97]
The Employment Equality Agency has a function under section 35 of the Employment Equality Act, 1977, to make proposals to me whenever it thinks necessary for amending either the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974, or the Employment Equality Act, 1977.
In that context the agency has furnished its views to me. In its latest submission it welcomed, inter alia, the fact that the Bill had been amended in a number of significant ways in the Dáil and considered that as a result it is much enhanced legislation. I am continuing to keep the comments of the agency under review.
Will the Minister further examine the remarks made by the Employment Equality Agency because it is not convinced the legislation as framed, in relation to sexual harassment, is workable and appropriate?
All aspects of the Bill are kept under review. One has to bear in mind that important as the representations from the Employment Equality Agency are, responsibility for legislation rests not with the Employment Equality Agency or any other agency but with the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Members thereof. That is where the ultimate responsibility lies. Amendments have been made to the Bill which have been welcomed. The matter is still under consideration in the Seanad. That is the appropriate place to progress the matter further and that will be done.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
