Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 4

Written Answers. - Employment Equality Agency.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

10 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the resources, if any, which have been made available to the Employment Equality Agency in order that the agency can plan for its impending expanded role. [17289/96]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

The employment Equality Bill, which I published on 3 July 1996, provides that the Employment Equality Agency be renamed the Equality Authority and that its role and functions should be broadened to encompass non gender discrimination areas as well as gender discrimination matters.

One of the agency's present functions is to advise me on the workings of existing legislation and make proposals for amending it. Accordingly, there have been ongoing consultations with the agency in the preparation of this Bill. These consultations have included consideration of resource levels and structures and have assisted me in securing an allocation of £750,000 for the agency in my Department's Estimate for this year. This provision includes a significant increase for additional salary and operational costs which could arise in 1996 as a result of any broader remit. I am also considering what provision can be made for the authority, as it will be known, for 1997 to enable it pursue its role in relation to all its proposed functions under the Bill.