The preparation of a code of practice for schools is one of the projects contained in the Equality Authority's strategic plan, to be introduced by the Minister for Justice today.
This is the authority's second such plan since it was established in 1999 and covers its work for the next three years, up to the end of 2005.
The authority was set up to combat discrimination on nine grounds covered by equality legislation and to promote equality of opportunity. This involves it both in campaigning work, including supporting individual cases where discrimination was alleged, and advising employers, service-providers and government on measures to combat discrimination.
This strategic plan follows a process of consultation around the country, which identified a number of priority areas.
Education and health were identified as the key areas for action in service provision. In relation to education, the authority will support individuals taking cases as well as drawing up the code of practice to help schools accommodate diverse identities.
It will develop materials for use in schools and assist school managements to focus on equality issues in admissions policies, codes of behaviour and whole-school behaviour.
In relation to health provision, the authority will support individuals taking cases and develop channels of communication with service-providers to promote an equality-focused culture.
The Equality Authority also has a remit in relation to equality in the workplace, and it will fulfil this, in part, by development of a number of generic supports for employers. These will include the preparation and dissemination of reviews and analysis of decisions under equal employment law of the Equality Tribunal, the Circuit Court and the Labour Court.
As well as providing employers with up-to-date information on the legislation and judgments, it will offer equality training and positive action initiatives in the workplace.
This includes employment equality reviews, based on a template developed by the authority. It offers support to employers who hire an expert from a selected panel to conduct a review of workplace policies and practices.
In the employment area the Equality Authority will provide advice and legal representation to individuals experiencing discrimination in the workplace. This will be done on a strategic basis, where a principle with wide application is involved.
Three groups will receive special attention under the strategic plan: those with disabilities; those suffering from racism, including Travellers; and carers, who are covered by the "family status" ground in the equality legislation.
The plan points out that 2003 has been designated European Year for People with Disabilities and has promised initiatives to further the positive duty to accommodate reasonably people with disabilities, as stated in the equality legislation.
"Initiatives on racism relate directly to the race and Traveller community ground and can have a relevance for the religion ground," according to the plan.