Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2024
458. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 551 of 23 April 2024, when he will publish his Department’s legislative proposals arising from its wider review of the Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40008/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ongoing review of the Equality Acts is examining the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality.
In July 2021, my Department undertook a public consultation process as part of this review. A report summarising the key issues raised in the public consultation was published last year and can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/cafb4-minister-ogorman-publishes-report-on-the-submissions-to-the-public-consultation-on-the-review-of-the-equality-acts/ .
In light of time constraints, I have chosen to prioritise some issues that I had originally intended to progress together with the wider review. I was very pleased to publish the Maternity Protection Bill 2024 last week, and intend to progress it to enactment swiftly including bringing Committee Stage amendments which would restrict the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases of discrimination.
In the meantime, my officials are finalising the legislative proposals arising from the review and giving further consideration to issues raised by stakeholders. It is planned that these legislative proposals will be brought to Cabinet as soon as possible.
