Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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81. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on a review of the Equality Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32566/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In 2021, I announced that my Department would be conducting a Review of the Equal Status Acts 2000 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998 (The Equality Acts).

The Review, which is ongoing, is examining the operation of the Equality Acts from the perspective of the person taking a claim under its redress mechanisms.

It is further reviewing the degree to which those experiencing discrimination are aware of the legislation and whether there are practical or other obstacles which preclude or deter them from taking an action.

The Review is also examining the 2020 Programme for Government commitments to amend the gender ground in equality legislation to ensure that someone discriminated against on the basis of their gender identity is able to avail of the legislation.

Further, the Review is looking at the introduction of a new ground based on disadvantaged socio-economic status.

In July 2021, I launched a public consultation process as part of the review of the Equality Acts.

My Department invited written submissions to the public consultation from 06 July 2021 - 08 December 2021, and was pleased to receive an extensive response to the consultation.

A report summarising the key issues raised in the public consultation is being finalised for publication and I hope to publish this report in the coming weeks.

It is intended that some legislative proposals arising from the review will be brought forward this year, however, the nature of these proposals will be dependent on decisions around further consultation and research.