Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 February 2017
136. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the legislative provisions that will be made to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal and effective legal protection against discrimination on all grounds (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5906/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have comprehensive and robust equality legislation in place (namely the Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2015 and the Equal Status Acts 2000 – 2015) which prohibits discrimination on nine specified grounds including that of disability. The legislation is designed to promote equality and to prohibit discrimination (direct, indirect and by association) and victimisation; it also allows for positive measures to ensure full equality across the nine grounds.
The Employment Equality Acts 1998–2011 outlaw discrimination at work including recruitment and promotion, equal pay, working conditions, training or experience, dismissal and harassment including sexual harassment. The Equal Status Acts 2000–2012 outlaw discrimination outside the workplace, in particular in the provision of goods and services, selling, renting or leasing property, and certain aspects of education. Equality legislation also provides for remedies for those who have suffered discrimination. The Workplace Relations Commission (formerly the Equality Tribunal) adjudicates or mediates claims of unlawful discrimination under equality legislation.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015. When commenced, the Act will provide a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties. Ireland’s equality legislation is constantly kept under review and amended as necessary. In particular in this instance, I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the proposed amendment to the section 4 of the Equal Status Acts contained in the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 in relation to reasonable accommodation.
