AQW 34779/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 05/11/2025
Answered On Date: 17/11/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on any work undertaken by their Department, or in conjunction with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, to review or modernise equality legislation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Answer:

There are extensive legal protections in place in respect of equality in this jurisdiction.

Whilst there is no consensus on a single Equality Bill, work is ongoing to enhance the legislative framework. This includes the review of the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997. Junior Ministers have also met with Claire Sugden MLA to discuss her proposed Age (Goods, Facilities and Services) Bill.

Additionally, the Committee for The Executive Office is examining gaps in equality legislation here.