§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his policy on tackling age discrimination in Northern Ireland. [152592]
§ Mr. SpellarConsultation on proposals for legislation which will tackle age discrimination in employment and training in line with the requirements of the E U Employment Framework Directive ended on 23 January 2004.
Draft regulations will be developed in the light of responses to this consultation and further consultation on these regulations will then take place. The legislation will come into force in late 2006 to comply with the Directive. Guidance will be developed and published when the regulations have been made giving employers time to complete preparations for their new obligations, and it will allow individuals to familiarise themselves with their new rights.
1052WPolicy development is continuing within the context of the single Equality Bill, on extending protection for the age ground to the provision of goods, facilities and services. A consultation on the single Equality Bill is planned for this year.