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.

The Equality Bill is intended to bring Irish equality legislation, including the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000, in line with EU directives on race, employment and gender.

Commenting on the submission, the president of the Human Rights Commission, Dr Maurice Manning, said: “We urge the Government to ensure that Ireland’s transposition of the three directives will serve to retain Ireland’s place at the forefront of international best practice in combating all forms of discrimination, and not, as we fear, lead to a diminution of the present level of protection.”

The Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) describe the Bill as “cynical”.