Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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566. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of a research report on socio-economic disadvantage as a new grounds of discrimination commissioned by his Department; when he expects that a public consultation on the insertion of socio-economic status as a grounds for discrimination will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4237/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine the introduction of a new ground of discrimination, based on socio-economic disadvantaged status to the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts. In addition, a broader review of the Equality Acts is also planned.

Research is being undertaken at present and, following receipt of this, I hope to undertake a wider public consultation on potentially amending the Equality Acts to include a socio-economic ground for discrimination. This body of research has not yet been finalised as it has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, my understanding is that it will be completed shortly.