Legislative Reviews

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Ceisteanna (428)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

428. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will amend section 2(1) of the Employment Equality Act 1998 to insert, after "behaviour" in paragraph (e) of the definition of disability, "or seriously affects a person's capacity to take part in normal social interaction or to form social relationships"; if it is planned to do so within the next 12 months; and if he will provide a timeline for doing so. [36215/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

In June 2021, I announced my intention to conduct a review of the Equality Acts (comprising of the Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015). The review will examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality, including in relation to disability.  The review will examine definitions in this regard.  Work is currently underway to consider the issues which have been put forward as part of the public consultation on the review.  The aim is to conclude the review this year and to bring forward legislative proposals in early 2023.