Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

787. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will support section 37 of the Employment Equality Act 1998, as it advances equality for all. [28738/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government contains a commitment that "People of non-faith or minority religious backgrounds and publicly identified LGBT people should not be deterred from training or taking up employment as teachers in the state."

A Private Members' Bill, the Employment Equality (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2013, was debated in Seanad Éireann in 2013. That Bill imposes a stricter test for discrimination on educational or medical institutions that are in receipt of public funding. The Government accepted the Bill in principle, subject to such amendments that might be required on the advice of the Attorney General to ensure its constitutionality.

Prior to framing possible Government amendments to the Bill, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission designate was asked to undertake a public consultation and examine the issues involved in relation to amending Section 37 of the Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2011. Its report was referred to the Attorney General's Office for further consideration.

Government amendments to the Bill were published on Tuesday, 7 July and the Bill with amendments passed all stages in the Seanad on 9 July. It will be presented to the Dáil to complete the enactment process as soon as is possible.