This proposal follows amendments made to the Employment Equality Bill in the Seanad which now provides for the establishment of the director. It is no longer necessary, therefore, to include such provisions in this Bill.
SECTION 57.
Question proposed: "That section 57 be deleted."
Question put and agreed to.
Section 58 deleted.
Sections 59 and 60 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Report of Select Committee.
I propose the following draft report:
The Select Committee has considered the Equal Status Bill, 1997, and has made amendments thereto. The Bill, as amended, is reported to the Dáil.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Report agreed to.
Ordered to report to the Dáil accordingly.
I thank the Minister and the spokespersons for their co-operation.
I thank you, Chairman, and Deputies McDaid, Keogh and Flood for their co-operation. I look forward to further discussion on Report Stage. I also thank my officials for the work they did on this extremely complex but important measure.
I thank the Minister, his officials, the officials of the committee and you, Chairman, for this worthwhile debate. I welcome the fact that the Minister is prepared to accept amendments, which is important if we want to pass good legislation. I also welcome his commitment to discuss the issues raised on Report Stage.
I congratulate the Minister for the manner in which he dealt with our queries. This legislation is important for many disadvantaged groups who are unable to seek proper redress through the courts. The Minister must be congratulated for introducing this Bill.
The Select Committee adjourned at 9.35 p.m.