Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
646. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is considering legislation to restrict the use of non-disclosure agreements in the case of sexual harassment and discrimination, along the lines considered in Seanad Éireann. [34298/23]
View answerThe ongoing review of the Equality Acts is examining the use of non-disclosure agreements by employers in cases of sexual harassment and discrimination. The Review is also considering issues that were raised in the Private Member's Bill, the Employment Equality (Amendment) (Non-Disclosure Agreement) Bill 2021, along with the recommendations detailed in the report on the prevalence and use of non-disclosure agreements in discrimination and sexual harassment disputes, that was carried out by my Department.
The Department invited written submissions to a public consultation on the review of the equality legislation in 2021 and these submissions have been analysed by officials in my Department. A report outlining the findings of the public consultation will be published shortly.
It is planned that legislative proposals arising from the review of the Equality Acts will be brought forward later this year. The proposals advanced will be dependent on the issues raised in the consultation process as well as on further research.
