Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
781. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the review of the Equal Status Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42909/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked officials in my Department to undertake a review of the Equality Acts (Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015) which will examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality.
The review will include the existing Programme for Government commitments on the introduction of a socio-economic ground for discrimination and to ensure that transgender, non-conforming and intersex people have explicit protection within the equality grounds.
As a first step in the review, I have launched a consultation process inviting submissions on a range of issues including the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality; awareness of the legislation; and whether there are obstacles to taking an action under the Acts. Submissions are also invited on the scope of the current definitions of the nine equality grounds. The closing date for submissions is 29 October 2021 at 5pm.
The outcome of the consultation process will inform the next steps to be undertaken as part of the review and may involve further consultation.
