Equality laws ‘must be changed’

FUTURE immigration and asylum policy could discriminate against nationals of specific countries unless changes are made to forthcoming equality legislation, it was warned last night.

In a submission to Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, the Human Rights Commission argues the Equality Bill 2004 may undermine existing non-discrimination protections. The provisions in the Bill could allow for discrimination when issuing work visas and permits, possibly leading to a situation where non-nationals from one country receive preferential treatment.

The commission also criticised the exemptions the Bill places on the issuing of third level grants to non-nationals. If enacted, this provision will effectively row back on a previous decision by the Equality Tribunal which stated such exemptions were unfair.