Review of equality legislation welcome but timelines must be more ambitious

Labour spokesperson on equality Senator Ivana Bacik has welcomed news that the Government will commence a review of existing equality legislation, with the aim of combatting discrimination and promoting equality and with a view to expanding the recognised discriminatory grounds to include socio-economic status.

Senator Bacik said:
“It is hugely welcome news that the Minister is now proposing a review of our equality legislation, and I would urge him to be ambitious by delivering legislative proposals before 2022.

“I particularly welcome the proposals around expanding the grounds to include socio-economic status. Legislating to address discrimination on the basis of socioeconomic background would serve a vital normative function by demonstrating society’s intolerance for classism. 

“Unfortunately, we know that class-based discrimination is embedded in Irish society. With economic inequality increasing across the world and in Ireland, the time to legislate for this is now. 

“I want to pay particular tribute to the many people and communities who have advocated for updating our equality laws. I have been glad to work with others on this campaign and now look forward to working with the Minister and civil society to achieve meaningful change to our equality law framework so as to make Ireland a fairer society.”