Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 6

Written Answers - Equality Authority.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

373 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish the equality authority; the reason for the delay in establishing this authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23402/98]

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

The Employment Equality Act, 1998 was signed into law on 18 June 1998. Following the enactment of the Bill, work commenced immediately on preparing to establish the Equality Authority in the first half of 1999. Work is on schedule in my Department to put in place the infrastructure for equality provided in the Employment Equality Act, 1998, namely the

Equality Authority and the office of Director of Equality Investigations. The anti-discrimination provisions of the Act will begin to be brought into operation, when the infrastructure necessary to support it is in place.