Equality groups unite to oppose planned reforms

A number of equality groups have formed an alliance to oppose the Government's plans to water down the Equal Status Act.

The reform, recommended by the Liquor Licensing Commission, allows for the District Court to deal with discrimination allegations instead of the Equality Tribunal.

It was prompted by publicans who claimed that Travellers were abusing equality legislation to get compensation rulings from the tribunal.

The coalition of equality groups has called on Justice Minister Michael McDowell to begin an inclusive consultation process with all interested groups before implementing his plans.