Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be quick. This is discriminatory. I spoke earlier about the discrimination and inherent bias against women. The Minister called that a fallacy. I have the figures. They show that in the past year there were 20,000 fewer men on the live register and 790 fewer women. This year 50% more women than men will emigrate. This is happening. This is the result of Government policy. This section is another Government policy. This implicit bias is explicit discrimination. Other Deputies have described very well the policy failures of this decision. I agree with them. My single point, however, is that this is discrimination. It crosses a line. The Equal Status Act 2000 is very clear. It would be illegal for an employer to do what the Minister is about to vote through here. It would be illegal because it is wrong. This is discrimination. This is crossing a line that should not be crossed.

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