Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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390. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the reform into the equality legislation, with specific reference to the introduction of socio-economic status as a ground for discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23557/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The introduction of a new equality ground, based on disadvantaged socio-economic status, is being considered as part of my Department's wider review of the Equal Status Acts 2000 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998 (the Equality Acts). This follows a Programme for Government commitment to examine the introduction of such a ground. It is intended that legislative proposals arising from the review will be brought to Government in the coming weeks.

The review of the Equality Acts has examined the operation of the Equality Acts from the perspective of a person taking a claim under its redress mechanisms. It has further examined 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.

My Department invited written submissions to a public consultation from 06 July 2021 - 08 December 2021, and was pleased to receive an extensive response. The public were asked for their views on the functioning and accessibility of the Acts; the scope of the current grounds; whether existing exemptions should be modified or removed; and whether the legislation adequately addresses intersectionality. A report summarising the key issues raised in the public consultation was published on 12 July 2023 and can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/cafb4-minister-ogorman-publishes-report-on-the-submissions-to-the-public-consultation-on-the-review-of-the-equality-acts/.