AQW 39998/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 09/12/2014
Answered On Date: 23/03/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister why Programme for Government 2011/15 commitment number 44, to extend age discrimination legislation to the provision of goods, facilities and services, has not been delivered.

Answer:

The Programme for Government commitment in respect of age discrimination legislation is number 38, not 44.

We made a Written Ministerial Statement to the Assembly on 19 February 2015 announcing our decision to bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit unfair age discrimination by those providing goods, facilities and services. The proposed legislation will apply to people aged 16 and over.

Subject to consideration by the OFMDFM Committee and Executive agreement, we intend to issue a consultation document in the near future setting out our proposals for legislation. When we have concluded our policy consultation, and agreed a robust policy position, we will then consider all the options available to us for bringing this legislation before the Assembly.