Written Answers. - Equal Status Legislation. – Dáil Éireann (27th Dáil) – Wednesday, 25 Oct 1995

Written Answers. - Equal Status Legislation.

Michael Woods

Ceist:

12 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he has taken into account the legitimate concerns of the licensed trade, hotels and others, who are obliged by law to keep order on their premises, as to whether they will still be able to do this under his proposed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15601/95]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

21 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the Vintners' Federation of Ireland regarding proposed equal status legislation as it might apply to vintners; and the plans, if any, he has to meet representatives of the federation to address these concerns. [15634/95]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

25 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the stage the equality legislation is at in view of the urgent needs of minority groups, especially disabled persons; and the proposals, if any, he has to provide equal status for disabled persons. [15635/95]

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

30 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform his views on whether a publican should have the right to serve whomsoever he or she wishes. [15655/95]

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

46 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he will review the proposed equal status legislation in view of the serious concerns expressed by, among others, the Licensed Vintners Federation, regarding possible changes to the right to refuse service or admission. [15474/95]

Colm M. Hilliard

Ceist:

47 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if it is his intention to allow publicans the right to refuse service in the better interest of their business in his forthcoming equal status legislation. [15607/95]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

48 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the current stage of the legislation to facilitate access to public transport by disabled persons. [15637/95]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 21, 25, 30, 46, 47 and 48 together.

The proposed equal status legislation, which is currently being prepared, will only apply to discrimination on specified grounds, namely, gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age disability, race, colour, nationality, national or ethnic origin and membership of the travelling community. The right of a publican or other supplier of services to refuse service or admission for another and genuine reason, such as misbehaviour, will be unaffected. The legislation will not interfere with the legal obligations of publicans to keep order on their premises.

I have given careful consideration to the concerns expressed about the equal status legislation, particularly by vintners. I am available to meet representatives of the vintners and other interested parties, at an appropriate time.

The legislation will cover discrimination on grounds of disability in services, including transport.

As I indicated in reply to a question on 17 October, I intend to bring forward the legislation as early as possible in 1996. When the Bill comes before the House, Deputies will have a full opportunity to debate it.

Helen Keogh

Ceist:

16 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the programmes, if any, he plans to initiate to fulfil the commitments made on behalf of the Irish Government to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15581/95]

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 1995