Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of his proposals for a family leave Bill to transpose the new EU parental leave directive and consolidate existing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39948/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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My Department is working on detailed proposals to transpose the EU Directive concerned and to consolidate all existing family leave legislation in one Act. These proposals are being prepared in consultation with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, which currently has responsibility for carer's leave. I will bring my proposals to Government once the necessary preparatory work has been completed within the Department.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 332: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the details of any proposals to amend the Equality Acts through a civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39949/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I would refer the Deputy to the amendments made to equality legislation in the recently-enacted Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011. While equality legislation is kept under continuous review, I have no plans currently for additional technical amendments to this legislation of the type made in the 2011 Miscellaneous Provisions Act. The amalgamation of the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority will require legislation, which will, inter alia, amend the Equal Status and Employment Equality Acts. I have established a Working Group to advise me on practical arrangements in relation to the amalgamation. I understand that the group will finalise its work early in the New Year, after which draft Heads of the necessary legislation that have been prepared within the Department can be finalised and submitted to Government.