Significant advances have been made in recent years to address inequality in Irish society, with the Government’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equal society re-affirmed through the Programme for Government commitments to achieve social solidarity, equality of opportunity and economic equity for all. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ensure that someone discriminated against on the basis of their gender identity is able to avail of the protections under the equality legislation.
This commitment forms part of the review of the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts which my Department commenced last year. This review will examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and in promoting equality, including awareness of the legislation and whether there are obstacles to taking an action under the Acts. The first phase of the public consultation process has now closed. This process sought the views of the public and interested organisations on the effectiveness of the legislation and whether, in their view, legislative amendments are required. The submissions received are currently being examined.