Averil Power (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 4, line 34, to delete “paragraph (b)” and substitute “paragraphs (a) or (b)”.

Amendment No. 9 is similar to an earlier amendment that I tabled. It seeks to ensure that the presumption arriving in paragraph (d) would apply equally to publicly and privately funded institutions, and not just to publicly funded ones.

Amendment No. 10 is much more comprehensive and it was written against the background of the original text of the Bill. My amendment was designed to make it clear that there were no circumstances in which it would be possible to discriminate against somebody purely on the basis of sexual orientation or civil status. From what we have heard from the Minister of State, it is clear that he will address that aspect in the Report Stage amendments by way of a requirement for conduct. I accept that is something that he has taken on board and I do not need to press the issue.

Amendment No. 10 goes further as it provides clarity in other areas. For example, paragraph (g) would prevent a person from being treated less favourably on the basis that he or she exercised his or her lawful right to free expression or free assembly. My amendment was designed to prevent an employee, or prospective employee, being penalised for participating in a marriage equality march, pride parade or other form of assembly which an institution could argue was contrary to its ethos.