Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Higgins covered a lot of the amendments but I will pick up on the last point. The difference between equity and equality is a crucial conversation. Equality of opportunity means, for example, everybody has the right to apply to Trinity College Dublin. The equality of opportunity exists for everyone, but obviously that is not true. Equity is a much more targeted, aggressive approach to addressing the inequalities that exist in society by taking account of the inequality in a person's environment, background, class or race, whatever that may be. Equity has much more of an agenda in really addressing many of the issues that will arise. Even with regard to the first amendment relating to the Equal Status Acts, when we look at the different groups that are under-represented the last word change in terms of adding "equity" under amendment No. 214 in section 62(5)(b) would go a long way in strengthening the language in the Bill.