Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 7

Written Answers. - Enforcement of Anti-Discrimination Legislation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

92 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to ensure more rigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation in view of the racist reaction to the increased number of foreign nationals currently residing in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17059/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Existing anti-discrimination legislation does not cover the ground of race.

The Employment Equality Bill, 1996 is being revised in light of the Supreme Court judgment of 15 May 1997. The revised Bill will amend the three specific provisions which the Supreme Court identified as repugnant to the Constitution — the obligation on employers to provide a reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities, vicarious liability in criminal proceedings and evidence by certificate. The revision process is progressing satisfactorily and I intend that the Bill will be enacted by mid-1998 and earlier if possible.

I hope to present the Equal Status Bill during 1998. The Bill will be redrafted to take account of the judgment of the Supreme Court on the reference by the President of the Employment Equality Bill and after consideration of issues which were raised following the reference of the Bill itself to the Court.