Consultation launched as part of review of equality acts

Roderic O'Gorman

Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman has invited submissions on issues including the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality, awareness of the legislation, and whether there are obstacles to taking an action under the Acts.

Submissions have also been invited on the scope of the current definitions of the nine equality grounds. This will include consideration of the gender ground, the disability ground and whether new grounds should be added, such as the ground of socio-economic discrimination.

Mr O’Gorman said: “Public consultation is central to this review of the Equality Acts. The Equality Acts need to be robust and effective, and reflect the lived reality of our citizens and our society.

“The views of those who have experienced discrimination and have experienced the operation of the Acts will help inform the review process and will contribute to any outcomes.”

The closing date for receipt of submissions is 29 October 2021 at 5pm.