Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 191: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of the transfer of responsibility for equality and human rights to his Department, he will make additional funding available to the Equality Authority and the Free Legal Advice Centres in response to the evidence that an increasing number of employers are using the recession as an excuse to discriminate against women who are pregnant, on maternity leave or returning to work after having a baby. [14064/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Maternity Protection Acts 1994 to 2004 provide protection from discrimination for women who are pregnant, on maternity leave or returning to work after having a child. The Equality Authority has an important role to play in providing information to the public regarding allegations of pregnancy-related discrimination. The grant in aid provision of €3.2m for the Equality Authority for 2010, has been maintained close to the 2009 level of €3.329m. In addition, the State has successfully obtained EU funding of €266,000 for 2010, through the Progress programme, towards a multi-agency project led by the Equality Authority entitled "Promoting equality for all in a time of change: addressing the new challenges of an economic downturn" and which includes a strong focus on public education initiatives on employment rights.

The amount which I have made available in funding to FLAC in 2010 is €98,000, the same amount made available in 2009. It is a reasonable allocation in circumstances where both my Department and other agencies under my remit have seen significant reductions in their allocations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 192: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of the transfer of responsibility for equality and human rights to his Department, he will take steps to address the fear shared by many in the gay and lesbian community that being open as to their sexual orientation could damage their career and promotion prospects as highlighted recently by an organisation (details supplied). [14066/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland has already extensively legislated to promote and protect the principles of equality and freedom from discrimination in employment, in the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2008. This legislation prohibits direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation in the area of employment on nine grounds, including that of sexual orientation.

Institutional structures, in the shape of the Equality Tribunal and the Equality Authority, are also in place to ensure effective implementation of these statutes. The Equality Tribunal is the main body for investigating and mediating on cases of discrimination and harassment. At a general level within society, it is the role of the Equality Authority to promote the awareness of the overall equality framework, of which anti-discriminatory measures are a constituent part. The Authority works at many levels and with many bodies towards the elimination of discrimination within society, including organisations representative of the gay and lesbian community and employer organisations.

Furthermore, in 2006 the Government initiated a programme of engagement by policy makers with the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network in relation to areas of concern for the gay and lesbian community. My Department is continuing this engagement which to date has produced significant benefits, particularly in the area of education.