The Employment Equality Agency has raised a number of issues with me pertaining to this section which in essence affects amendments to the provisions of the Employment Equality Act, 1977, dealing with the agency's powers and functions. Although I intend to address the functions and powers of the new equality authority more explicitly in the forthcoming equal status legislation, I will review the possibility of responding on Report Stage to some of the issues raised by the agency.
SECTION 73.
Question proposed: "That section 73 stand part of the Bill."
I am glad to hear the Minister say that because I raised some concerns previously about the Employment Equality Agency, its role and difficulties people see arising. I accept that the Minister is being open in this regard.
I too thank the Minister for that and look forward to Report Stage.
Question put and agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Report of Select Committee.
I propose the following draft report:
"The Select Committee has considered the Bill and has made amendments thereto. The Bill, as amended, is reported to the Dáil."
Is that agreed?
Report agreed to.
Ordered to report to the Dáil accordingly.
That concludes business for the day. I thank the Minister and his officials; I also thank Members for their contributions. There are one or two matters to be discussed by the committee so I propose we continue in private session.
I thank the Minister for the help he provided on Committee Stage, leaving aside the extraordinary event in the middle of it. I also thank his officials for the information they provided.
I thank the Chairman for his help and I thank colleagues on all sides of the House, particularly Deputy Woods and Deputy Keogh, for their co-operation in dealing with what is a difficult and in some respects, complex Bill. I also thank the officials from my Department. The amount of documentation is voluminous in the extreme and I am well aware they have worked long, hard and late on it.
I also thank the Minister, his officials and all staff, notwithstanding the difficulties in relation to one section of this complex and difficult Bill. I appreciate the patience of all concerned. I look forward to Report Stage and I hope the amendments will be acceptable to all. This important legislation is eagerly awaited.
The Select Committee adjourned at 5.25 p.m.