In July 2021, I launched a public consultation process to inform a review of the Equality Acts (Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015) to examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality.
The purpose of the Review is to examine the operation of the Acts from the perspective of the person taking a claim under its redress mechanisms. It will examine the degree to which those experiencing discrimination are aware of the legislation and whether there are practical or other obstacles that preclude or deter them from taking an action. The Review will also include consideration of commitments in the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy and in the Programme for Government to review the legislation to ensure that transgender, non-conforming and intersex people have explicit protection within the equality grounds .
The response to the public consultation was extensive and submissions are currently being analysed by officials in the Department. The outcome of the consultation will be made public when this is complete and it is intended that some legislative proposals arising from the Review will be brought forward in 2023.
