Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I do not believe there can be any objection to these Government amendments as they are technical in nature and they reflect the change in the nature of the Bill, which I very much welcome as the original proposer of this Private Members' Bill. This is a proud day for the Seanad to see what started life as a Labour Party Private Members' Bill, and what had been worked on by many colleagues, including Senators Power and Zappone both before and since, now become a Government Bill and, hopefully, today conclude its passage through the Seanad. It is also very welcome, as amendment No. 1 suggests, that the Bill will now become broader in focus. The Government amendments, which are reflected in this new Title, and which we are going to debate, will not only make the hugely important and long overdue change to section 37 of the Employment Equality Act but will also make very progressive change in terms of prohibiting discrimination in relation to rent supplement and housing assistance payment in equal status legislation. That is hugely welcome, although it is not at all what was in the original version of the Bill but I do very much welcome it. I believe it will receive a broad welcome. The other provisions, to be inserted by Government through amendments, on the definition of indirect discrimination, on discriminatory job advertisements, on retirement age issues and on the technical issue regarding EEA nationals and Swiss nationals are all very welcome amendments. I very much welcome them and I welcome the change to the Title to reflect them in amendment No 1.