McDowell panders to wishes of vintners, says equality coalition

THE Government is pandering to the wishes of publicans by proposing changes to the jurisdiction of the Equality Tribunal, a coalition of 12 equality groups claims.

Addressing the Dáil Justice Committee yesterday, the Equality Coalition, made up of civil rights, travellers, disability, and gay and lesbian organisations among others, charged Justice Minister Michael McDowell of paving the way for a complete dismantling of Ireland’s equality laws.

The Equality Coalition is concerned at proposals, outlined in the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003, to transfer of discrimination cases involving pubs and clubs from the Equality Tribunal to the District Courts.