Submission on the Equality Bill 2004 (as part of the Equality Coalition)

The Equality Bill 2004 will make significant changes to Ireland's equality framework and the Equality Coalition broadly welcomes it. The main purpose of the Bill is to implement new principles from European Union (EU) Council Directives on equal treatment on race , employment and gender. A minimum threshold or floor of rights and anti-discrimination measures will be established throughout the EU with the transposition of these Directives.

However, the Equality Coalition does not believe that the Equality Bill transposes or fully implements obligations emanating from the EU Directives. Further, what many perceive as a technical piece of legislation will actually reduce protection from discrimination for vulnerable groups.