Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
569. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the recommendations set out in the Housing Assistance and Discrimination - A Scoping Study on the Housing Assistance Ground under the Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 report will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22599/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Equal Status Acts prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods and services across a number of grounds and the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 introduced a 'housing assistance' ground.
I take note of the recommendations made in the report by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission related to the provisions under the Equal Status Acts and have asked officials to include these as part of a review that my Department is conducting of our equality legislation, including the Equal Status Acts. 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 a public consultation process under the review 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.
