1995 c. 50.

1998 c. 47.

1981 NI 8.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2000/1110/part/II/madeThe Equality (Disability, etc.) (Northern Ireland) Order 2000Disability discriminationGovernment Printer for Northern Ireland2015-04-21NORTHERN IRELANDThis Order confers new powers in respect of discrimination by reason of disability on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. This Order also provides for the appointment of additional Commissioners of that Commission, amends the reporting period of that Commission and amends the transitional and saving provisions of the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.PART IIDISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
3Interpretation of this Part1

In this Part—

the Commission” means the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland;

“final”, in relation to a non-discrimination notice, has the meaning given by paragraph 11 of Schedule 1;

“formal investigation” means an investigation under Article 5;

“non-discrimination notice” means a notice under Article 6;

“notice” means notice in writing;

the Office” means the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister;

“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Office; and

“the 1995 Act” means the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

2

Expressions used in this Part which are defined for the purposes of the 1995 Act have the same meaning in this Part as in that Act.

4General functions of Commission1

The Commission shall have the following duties—

a

to work towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled persons;

b

to promote the equalisation of opportunities for disabled persons;

c

to take such steps as it considers appropriate with a view to encouraging good practice in the treatment of disabled persons; and

d

to keep under review the working of the 1995 Act and this Part.

2

The Commission may, for any purpose connected with the performance of its functions under this Part—

a

make proposals or give other advice to any government department as to any aspect of the law or a proposed change to the law;

b

make proposals or give other advice to any public authority as to the practical application of any law;

c

undertake, or arrange for or support (whether financially or otherwise), the carrying out of research or the provision of advice or information.

Nothing in this paragraph is to be regarded as limiting the Commission’s powers.

3

The Commission shall make proposals or give other advice under paragraph (2)(a) on any matter specified in a request from a government department.

4

The Commission may make charges for facilities or services made available by it for the purposes of its functions under this Part.

5

In this Article—

“disabled persons” includes persons who have had a disability;

“discrimination” means anything which is discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of the 1995 Act;

“the law” includes Community law and the international obligations of the United Kingdom; and

“public authority” has the same meaning as in section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

5Formal investigations1

The Commission may decide to conduct a formal investigation for any purpose connected with the performance of its duties under Article 4(1).

2

The Commission shall conduct a formal investigation if directed to do so by the Office for any such purpose.

3

The Commission may at any time decide to stop or to suspend the conduct of a formal investigation; but any such decision requires the approval of the Office if the investigation is being conducted in pursuance of a direction under paragraph (2).

4

The Commission may, with the approval of the Office, appoint, on a full-time or part-time basis, one or more individuals as additional Commissioners for the purposes of a formal investigation.

5

The Commission may, as respects any formal investigation which it has decided or been directed to conduct—

a

nominate one or more Commissioners, with or without one or more additional Commissioners appointed for the purposes of the investigation, to conduct the investigation on its behalf; and

b

authorise those persons to exercise such of its functions in relation to the investigation (which may include drawing up or revising terms of reference) as it may determine.

6

Schedule 1 (so far as relating to the conduct of formal investigations) has effect.

6Non-discrimination notices1

If in the course of a formal investigation the Commission is satisfied that a person has committed or is committing an unlawful act, it may serve on him a notice (referred to in this Part as a non-discrimination notice) which—

a

gives details of the unlawful act which the Commission has found that he has committed or is committing; and

b

requires him not to commit any further unlawful acts of the same kind (and, if the finding is that he is committing an unlawful act, to cease doing so).

2

The notice may include recommendations to the person concerned as to action which the Commission considers he could reasonably be expected to take with a view to complying with the requirement mentioned in paragraph (1)(b).

3

The notice may require the person concerned—

a

to propose an adequate action plan (subject to and in accordance with Part III of Schedule 1) with a view to securing compliance with the requirement mentioned in paragraph (1)(b); and

b

once an action plan proposed by him has become final, to take any action which—

i

is specified in the plan; and

ii

he has not already taken,

at the time or times specified in the plan.

4

For the purposes of paragraph (3)—

a

an action plan is a document drawn up by the person concerned specifying action (including action he has already taken) intended to change anything in his practices, policies, procedures or other arrangements which—

i

caused or contributed to the commission of the unlawful act concerned; or

ii

is liable to cause or contribute to a failure to comply with the requirement mentioned in paragraph (1)(b); and

b

an action plan is adequate if the action specified in it would be sufficient to ensure, within a reasonable time, that he is not prevented from complying with that requirement by anything in his practices, policies, procedures or other arrangements;

and the action specified in an action plan may include ceasing an activity or taking continuing action over a period.

5

In this Article “unlawful act” means an act which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of the 1995 Act or any other unlawful act of a description prescribed for the purposes of this Article.

6

Schedule 1 (so far as relating to non-discrimination notices and action plans) has effect.

7Agreements in lieu of enforcement action1

If the Commission has reason to believe that a person has committed or is committing an unlawful act, it may (subject to Article 5(3)) enter into an agreement in writing under this Article with that person on the assumption that that belief is well founded (whether or not that person admits that he committed or is committing the act in question).

2

An agreement under this Article is one by which—

a

the Commission undertakes not to take any relevant enforcement action in relation to the unlawful act in question; and

b

the person concerned undertakes—

i

not to commit any further unlawful acts of the same kind (and, where appropriate, to cease committing the unlawful act in question); and

ii

to take such action (which may include ceasing an activity or taking continuing action over any period) as may be specified in the agreement.

3

Those undertakings are binding on the parties to the agreement; but undertakings under paragraph (2)(b) are enforceable by the Commission only as provided by paragraph (8).

4

For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), “relevant enforcement action” means—

a

beginning a formal investigation into the commission by the person concerned of the unlawful act in question;

b

if such an investigation has begun (whether or not the investigation is confined to that matter), taking any further steps in the investigation of that matter; and

c

taking any steps, or further steps, with a view to the issue of a non-discrimination notice based on the commission of the unlawful act in question.

5

The action specified in an undertaking under paragraph (2)(b)(ii) must be action intended to change anything in the practices, policies, procedures or other arrangements of the person concerned which—

a

caused or contributed to the commission of the unlawful act in question; or

b

is liable to cause or contribute to a failure to comply with his undertaking under paragraph (2)(b)(i).

6

An agreement under this Article—

a

may include terms providing for incidental or supplementary matters (including the termination of the agreement, or the right of either party to terminate it, in certain circumstances); and

b

may be varied or revoked by agreement of the parties.

7

An agreement under this Article may not include any provisions other than terms mentioned in paragraphs (2) and (6)(a) unless their inclusion is authorised by regulations made by the Office for the purposes of this Article; but any provisions so authorised are not enforceable by the Commission under paragraph (8).

8

The Commission may apply to a county court for an order under this paragraph if—

a

the other party to an agreement under this Article has failed to comply with any undertaking under paragraph (2)(b); or

b

the Commission has reasonable cause to believe that he intends not to comply with any such undertaking.

9

An order under paragraph (8) is an order requiring the other party to comply with the undertaking or with such directions for the same purpose as are contained in the order.

10

Nothing in this Article affects the Commission’s powers to settle or compromise legal proceedings of any description.

11

In this Article “unlawful act” means an act which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of the 1995 Act or any other unlawful act of a description prescribed for the purposes of this Article.

12

Schedule 1 (so far as relating to agreements under this Article) has effect.

8Persistent discrimination1

This Article applies during the period of five years beginning on the date on which—

a

a non-discrimination notice served on a person,

b

a finding by a court or tribunal in proceedings under section 8 or 25 of the 1995 Act that a person has committed an act which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of that Act, or

c

a finding by a court or tribunal in any other proceedings that a person has committed an act of a description prescribed under paragraph (4),

has become final.

2

If during that period it appears to the Commission that unless restrained the person concerned is likely to do one or more unlawful acts, the Commission may apply to a county court for an injunction restraining him from doing so.

3

The court, if satisfied that the application is well-founded, may grant the injunction in the terms applied for or in more limited terms.

4

In this Article “unlawful act” means an act which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of the 1995 Act or any other unlawful act of a description prescribed for the purposes of this Article.

5

A finding of a court or tribunal becomes final for the purposes of this Article when an appeal against it is dismissed, withdrawn or abandoned or when the time for appealing expires without an appeal having been brought.

9Assistance in relation to proceedings1

This Article applies to—

a

proceedings which an individual has brought or proposes to bring under section 8 or 25 of the 1995 Act (complaints and claims about unlawful discrimination under Parts II and III); and

b

proceedings of a description prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph, being proceedings in which an individual who has or has had a disability relies or proposes to rely on a matter relating to that disability.

2

Where the individual concerned applies to the Commission for assistance in relation to any proceedings to which this Article applies, the Commission may grant the application on any of the following grounds—

a

that the case raises a question of principle;

b

that it is unreasonable to expect the applicant to deal with the case unaided (because of its complexity, because of the applicant’s position in relation to another party or for some other reason);

c

that there is some other special consideration which makes it appropriate for the Commission to provide assistance.

3

If the Commission grants an application, it may—

a

provide or arrange for the provision of legal advice;

b

arrange for legal or other representation (which may include any assistance usually given by a solicitor or counsel);

c

seek to procure the settlement of any dispute;

d

provide or arrange for the provision of any other assistance which it thinks appropriate.

4

Paragraph (3)(b) does not affect the law and practice as to who may represent a person in relation to any proceedings.

5

The Commission may authorise any employee of the Commission to exercise such of its functions under this Article as it may determine.

10Recovery of expenses of providing assistance1

This Article applies where—

a

the Commission has given an individual assistance under Article 9 in relation to any proceedings; and

b

any costs or expenses (however described) have become payable to him by another person in respect of the matter in connection with which the assistance is given.

2

A sum equal to any expenses incurred by the Commission in providing the assistance shall be a first charge for the benefit of the Commission on the costs or expenses concerned.

3

It is immaterial for the purposes of this Article whether the costs or expenses concerned are payable by virtue of a decision of a court or tribunal, an agreement arrived at to avoid proceedings or to bring them to an end, or otherwise.

4

The charge created by this Article is subject to any charge under the Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and is subject to any provision in that Order for payment of any sum into the legal aid fund.

5

Provision may be made by regulations made by the Office for the determination of the expenses of the Commission in cases where this Article applies.

11Codes of practice1

The following section shall be inserted at the beginning of Part VII of the 1995 Act (supplemental)—

54ACodes of practice.1

The Commission may prepare and issue codes of practice giving practical guidance—

a

to employers, service providers or other persons to whom provisions of Part II or Part III apply on how to avoid discrimination or on any other matter relating to the operation of those provisions in relation to them; or

b

to any persons on any other matter, with a view to—

i

promoting the equalisation of opportunities for disabled persons and persons who have had a disability, or

ii

encouraging good practice regarding the treatment of such persons,

in any field of activity regulated by any provision of Part II or Part III.

2

The Commission shall, when requested to do so by the Office, prepare a code of practice dealing with the matters specified in the request.

3

In preparing a code of practice the Commission shall carry out such consultations as it considers appropriate (which shall include the publication for public consultation of proposals relating to the code).

4

The Commission may not issue a code of practice unless—

a

a draft of it has been submitted to and approved by the Office and laid by the Office before the Assembly; and

b

the statutory period has elapsed without the Assembly resolving not to approve the draft.

5

If the Office does not approve a draft code of practice submitted to it the Office shall give the Commission a written statement of its reasons.

6

A code of practice issued by the Commission

a

shall come into effect on such day as the Office may by order appoint;

b

may be revised in whole or part, and re-issued, by the Commission; and

c

may be revoked by an order made by the Office at the request of the Commission.

7

Where the Commission proposes to revise a code of practice—

a

it shall comply with subsection (3) in relation to the revisions; and

b

the other provisions of this section apply to the revised code of practice as they apply to a new code of practice.

8

Failure to observe any provision of a code of practice does not of itself make a person liable to any proceedings, but any provision of a code which appears to a court or tribunal to be relevant to any question arising in any proceedings under Part II or Part III shall be taken into account in determining that question.

9

In this section—

“code of practice” means a code of practice under this section;

the Commission” means the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland;

“discrimination” means anything which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III;

the Office” means the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister; and

“statutory period” has the meaning assigned to it by section 41(2) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954.

.

2

The Commission may treat any consultation undertaken under section 52(2) of the 1995 Act before the coming into operation of this Article as being effective for the purposes of section 54A(3) of that Act.

3

Nothing in this Article affects the Commission’s powers apart from this Article to give practical guidance on matters connected with its functions under this Part.

12Conciliation of disputes under Part III of the 1995 Act

For section 28 of the 1995 Act (arrangements with a view to the settlement of disputes under Part III) there shall be substituted the following section—

28Conciliation of disputes.1

The Commission may make arrangements with any other person for the provision of conciliation services by, or by persons appointed by, that person in relation to disputes arising under this Part.

2

In deciding what arrangements (if any) to make, the Commission shall have regard to the desirability of securing, so far as reasonably practicable, that conciliation services are available for all disputes arising under this Part which the parties may wish to refer to conciliation.

3

No member or employee of the Commission may provide conciliation services in relation to disputes arising under this Part.

4

The Commission shall ensure that any arrangements under this section include appropriate safeguards to prevent the disclosure to members or employees of the Commission of information obtained by a person in connection with the provision of conciliation services in pursuance of the arrangements.

5

Subsection (4) does not apply to information relating to a dispute which is disclosed with the consent of the parties to that dispute.

6

Subsection (4) does not apply to information which—

a

is not identifiable with a particular dispute or a particular person; and

b

is reasonably required by the Commission for the purpose of monitoring the operation of the arrangements concerned.

7

Anything communicated to a person while providing conciliation services in pursuance of any arrangements under this section is not admissible in evidence in any proceedings except with the consent of the person who communicated it to that person.

8

In this section—

the Commission” means the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland; and

“conciliation services” means advice and assistance provided by a conciliator to the parties to a dispute with a view to promoting its settlement otherwise than through the courts.

.

13Procedure for amending section 7(1) of the 1995 Act

For subsections (3) to (10) of section 7 of the 1995 Act (exemption for small businesses) there shall be substituted the following subsections—

3

Before making an order under subsection (2) the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister shall consult—

a

the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland;

b

such organisations representing the interests of employers as that Office considers appropriate; and

c

such organisations representing the interests of disabled persons in employment or seeking employment as that Office considers appropriate.

4

The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister shall, before laying an order under this section before the Assembly, publish a summary of the views expressed to it in its consultations.

.

14Regulations1

Regulations under this Part may make—

a

provision enabling a person to exercise a discretion in dealing with any matter; and

b

incidental, supplemental, consequential or transitional provision.

2

Regulations under this Part shall be subject to negative resolution.

15Consequential amendments to the 1995 Act1

The 1995 Act shall be amended as follows.

2

In section 67(5) (orders not subject to negative resolution) for “52(8), 54(6)” substitute “54A(6)(a)”.

3

In Schedule 3 (enforcement and procedure under Parts II and III), in paragraph 6(2), for the words from “a person” to “approached” there shall be substituted “the dispute concerned is referred for conciliation in pursuance of arrangements under section 28”.

16Repeals

The statutory provisions mentioned in Schedule 2 are repealed to the extent specified.

17Crown application

This Part binds the Crown.

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<dc:title>Equality (Disability, etc.) (Northern Ireland) Order 2000</dc:title>
<ukm:DocumentMainType Value="UnitedKingdomDraftStatutoryInstrument"/>
<ukm:Year Value="2000"/>
<ukm:ISBN Value="0110989198"/>
<ukm:AlternativeNumber Category="NI" Value=""/>
</ukm:Supersedes>
<ukm:Statistics>
<ukm:TotalParagraphs Value="50"/>
<ukm:BodyParagraphs Value="24"/>
<ukm:ScheduleParagraphs Value="26"/>
<ukm:AttachmentParagraphs Value="0"/>
<ukm:TotalImages Value="0"/>
</ukm:Statistics>
</proprietary>
</meta>
<portionBody>
<part eId="part-II">
<num>PART II</num>
<heading>DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION</heading>
<article eId="article-3">
<num>3</num>
<heading>Interpretation of this Part</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-3-1">
<num>1</num>
<content>
<p>In this Part—</p>
<blockList class="unordered">
<item>
<p>
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
” means the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland;
</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>“final”, in relation to a non-discrimination notice, has the meaning given by paragraph 11 of Schedule 1;</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>“formal investigation” means an investigation under Article 5;</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>“non-discrimination notice” means a notice under Article 6;</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>“notice” means notice in writing;</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
” means the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister;
</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>
“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
; and
</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>
“the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
” means the
<noteRef href="#m00003" placement="inline" class="margin-note"/>
Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
</p>
</item>
</blockList>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-3-2">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>
Expressions used in this Part which are defined for the purposes of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
have the same meaning in this Part as in that Act.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-4">
<num>4</num>
<heading>General functions of Commission</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-4-1">
<num>1</num>
<intro>
<p>The Commission shall have the following duties—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-4-1-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>to work towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled persons;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-4-1-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>to promote the equalisation of opportunities for disabled persons;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-4-1-c">
<num>c</num>
<content>
<p>to take such steps as it considers appropriate with a view to encouraging good practice in the treatment of disabled persons; and</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-4-1-d">
<num>d</num>
<content>
<p>
to keep under review the working of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
and this Part.
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-4-2">
<num>2</num>
<intro>
<p>The Commission may, for any purpose connected with the performance of its functions under this Part—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-4-2-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>make proposals or give other advice to any government department as to any aspect of the law or a proposed change to the law;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-4-2-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>make proposals or give other advice to any public authority as to the practical application of any law;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-4-2-c">
<num>c</num>
<content>
<p>undertake, or arrange for or support (whether financially or otherwise), the carrying out of research or the provision of advice or information.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<wrapUp>
<blockList class="unordered">
<item>
<p>
Nothing in this paragraph is to be regarded as limiting
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
’s powers.
</p>
</item>
</blockList>
</wrapUp>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-4-3">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>The Commission shall make proposals or give other advice under paragraph (2)(a) on any matter specified in a request from a government department.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-4-4">
<num>4</num>
<content>
<p>The Commission may make charges for facilities or services made available by it for the purposes of its functions under this Part.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-4-5">
<num>5</num>
<content>
<p>In this Article—</p>
<blockList class="unordered">
<item>
<p>“disabled persons” includes persons who have had a disability;</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>
“discrimination” means anything which is discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
;
</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>“the law” includes Community law and the international obligations of the United Kingdom; and</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>
“public authority” has the same meaning as in section 75 of the
<noteRef href="#m00004" placement="inline" class="margin-note"/>
Northern Ireland Act 1998.
</p>
</item>
</blockList>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-5">
<num>5</num>
<heading>Formal investigations</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-5-1">
<num>1</num>
<content>
<p>The Commission may decide to conduct a formal investigation for any purpose connected with the performance of its duties under Article 4(1).</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-5-2">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>
The Commission shall conduct a formal investigation if directed to do so by
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
for any such purpose.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-5-3">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>
The Commission may at any time decide to stop or to suspend the conduct of a formal investigation; but any such decision requires the approval of
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
if the investigation is being conducted in pursuance of a direction under paragraph (2).
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-5-4">
<num>4</num>
<content>
<p>
The Commission may, with the approval of
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
, appoint, on a full-time or part-time basis, one or more individuals as additional Commissioners for the purposes of a formal investigation.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-5-5">
<num>5</num>
<intro>
<p>The Commission may, as respects any formal investigation which it has decided or been directed to conduct—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-5-5-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>nominate one or more Commissioners, with or without one or more additional Commissioners appointed for the purposes of the investigation, to conduct the investigation on its behalf; and</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-5-5-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>authorise those persons to exercise such of its functions in relation to the investigation (which may include drawing up or revising terms of reference) as it may determine.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-5-6">
<num>6</num>
<content>
<p>Schedule 1 (so far as relating to the conduct of formal investigations) has effect.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-6">
<num>6</num>
<heading>Non-discrimination notices</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-6-1">
<num>1</num>
<intro>
<p>
If in the course of a formal investigation
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
is satisfied that a person has committed or is committing an unlawful act, it may serve on him a notice (referred to in this Part as a non-discrimination notice) which—
</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-6-1-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>
gives details of the unlawful act which
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
has found that he has committed or is committing; and
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-6-1-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>requires him not to commit any further unlawful acts of the same kind (and, if the finding is that he is committing an unlawful act, to cease doing so).</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-6-2">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>
The notice may include recommendations to the person concerned as to action which
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
considers he could reasonably be expected to take with a view to complying with the requirement mentioned in paragraph (1)(b).
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-6-3">
<num>3</num>
<intro>
<p>The notice may require the person concerned—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-6-3-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>to propose an adequate action plan (subject to and in accordance with Part III of Schedule 1) with a view to securing compliance with the requirement mentioned in paragraph (1)(b); and</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-6-3-b">
<num>b</num>
<intro>
<p>once an action plan proposed by him has become final, to take any action which—</p>
</intro>
<clause eId="article-6-3-b-i">
<num>i</num>
<content>
<p>is specified in the plan; and</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause eId="article-6-3-b-ii">
<num>ii</num>
<content>
<p>he has not already taken,</p>
</content>
</clause>
<wrapUp>
<p>at the time or times specified in the plan.</p>
</wrapUp>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-6-4">
<num>4</num>
<intro>
<p>For the purposes of paragraph (3)—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-6-4-a">
<num>a</num>
<intro>
<p>an action plan is a document drawn up by the person concerned specifying action (including action he has already taken) intended to change anything in his practices, policies, procedures or other arrangements which—</p>
</intro>
<clause eId="article-6-4-a-i">
<num>i</num>
<content>
<p>caused or contributed to the commission of the unlawful act concerned; or</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause eId="article-6-4-a-ii">
<num>ii</num>
<content>
<p>is liable to cause or contribute to a failure to comply with the requirement mentioned in paragraph (1)(b); and</p>
</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-6-4-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>an action plan is adequate if the action specified in it would be sufficient to ensure, within a reasonable time, that he is not prevented from complying with that requirement by anything in his practices, policies, procedures or other arrangements;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<wrapUp>
<p>and the action specified in an action plan may include ceasing an activity or taking continuing action over a period.</p>
</wrapUp>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-6-5">
<num>5</num>
<content>
<p>
In this Article “unlawful act” means an act which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
or any other unlawful act of a description prescribed for the purposes of this Article.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-6-6">
<num>6</num>
<content>
<p>Schedule 1 (so far as relating to non-discrimination notices and action plans) has effect.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-7">
<num>7</num>
<heading>Agreements in lieu of enforcement action</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-7-1">
<num>1</num>
<content>
<p>
If
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
has reason to believe that a person has committed or is committing an unlawful act, it may (subject to Article 5(3)) enter into an agreement in writing under this Article with that person on the assumption that that belief is well founded (whether or not that person admits that he committed or is committing the act in question).
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-2">
<num>2</num>
<intro>
<p>An agreement under this Article is one by which—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-2-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
undertakes not to take any relevant enforcement action in relation to the unlawful act in question; and
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-2-b">
<num>b</num>
<intro>
<p>the person concerned undertakes—</p>
</intro>
<clause eId="article-7-2-b-i">
<num>i</num>
<content>
<p>not to commit any further unlawful acts of the same kind (and, where appropriate, to cease committing the unlawful act in question); and</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause eId="article-7-2-b-ii">
<num>ii</num>
<content>
<p>to take such action (which may include ceasing an activity or taking continuing action over any period) as may be specified in the agreement.</p>
</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-3">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>
Those undertakings are binding on the parties to the agreement; but undertakings under paragraph (2)(b) are enforceable by
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
only as provided by paragraph (8).
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-4">
<num>4</num>
<intro>
<p>For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), “relevant enforcement action” means—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-4-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>beginning a formal investigation into the commission by the person concerned of the unlawful act in question;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-4-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>if such an investigation has begun (whether or not the investigation is confined to that matter), taking any further steps in the investigation of that matter; and</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-4-c">
<num>c</num>
<content>
<p>taking any steps, or further steps, with a view to the issue of a non-discrimination notice based on the commission of the unlawful act in question.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-5">
<num>5</num>
<intro>
<p>The action specified in an undertaking under paragraph (2)(b)(ii) must be action intended to change anything in the practices, policies, procedures or other arrangements of the person concerned which—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-5-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>caused or contributed to the commission of the unlawful act in question; or</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-5-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>is liable to cause or contribute to a failure to comply with his undertaking under paragraph (2)(b)(i).</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-6">
<num>6</num>
<intro>
<p>An agreement under this Article—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-6-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>may include terms providing for incidental or supplementary matters (including the termination of the agreement, or the right of either party to terminate it, in certain circumstances); and</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-6-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>may be varied or revoked by agreement of the parties.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-7">
<num>7</num>
<content>
<p>
An agreement under this Article may not include any provisions other than terms mentioned in paragraphs (2) and (6)(a) unless their inclusion is authorised by regulations made by
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
for the purposes of this Article; but any provisions so authorised are not enforceable by
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
under paragraph (8).
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-8">
<num>8</num>
<intro>
<p>The Commission may apply to a county court for an order under this paragraph if—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-8-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>the other party to an agreement under this Article has failed to comply with any undertaking under paragraph (2)(b); or</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-7-8-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
has reasonable cause to believe that he intends not to comply with any such undertaking.
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-9">
<num>9</num>
<content>
<p>An order under paragraph (8) is an order requiring the other party to comply with the undertaking or with such directions for the same purpose as are contained in the order.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-10">
<num>10</num>
<content>
<p>
Nothing in this Article affects
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
’s powers to settle or compromise legal proceedings of any description.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-11">
<num>11</num>
<content>
<p>
In this Article “unlawful act” means an act which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
or any other unlawful act of a description prescribed for the purposes of this Article.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-7-12">
<num>12</num>
<content>
<p>Schedule 1 (so far as relating to agreements under this Article) has effect.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-8">
<num>8</num>
<heading>Persistent discrimination</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-8-1">
<num>1</num>
<intro>
<p>This Article applies during the period of five years beginning on the date on which—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-8-1-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>a non-discrimination notice served on a person,</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-8-1-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>
a finding by a court or tribunal in proceedings under section 8 or 25 of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
that a person has committed an act which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of that Act, or
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-8-1-c">
<num>c</num>
<content>
<p>a finding by a court or tribunal in any other proceedings that a person has committed an act of a description prescribed under paragraph (4),</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<wrapUp>
<p>has become final.</p>
</wrapUp>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-8-2">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>
If during that period it appears to
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
that unless restrained the person concerned is likely to do one or more unlawful acts,
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
may apply to a county court for an injunction restraining him from doing so.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-8-3">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>The court, if satisfied that the application is well-founded, may grant the injunction in the terms applied for or in more limited terms.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-8-4">
<num>4</num>
<content>
<p>
In this Article “unlawful act” means an act which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
or any other unlawful act of a description prescribed for the purposes of this Article.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-8-5">
<num>5</num>
<content>
<p>A finding of a court or tribunal becomes final for the purposes of this Article when an appeal against it is dismissed, withdrawn or abandoned or when the time for appealing expires without an appeal having been brought.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-9">
<num>9</num>
<heading>Assistance in relation to proceedings</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-9-1">
<num>1</num>
<intro>
<p>This Article applies to—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-1-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>
proceedings which an individual has brought or proposes to bring under section 8 or 25 of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
(complaints and claims about unlawful discrimination under Parts II and
<abbr class="Acronym" title="3">III</abbr>
); and
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-1-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>proceedings of a description prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph, being proceedings in which an individual who has or has had a disability relies or proposes to rely on a matter relating to that disability.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-9-2">
<num>2</num>
<intro>
<p>
Where the individual concerned applies to
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
for assistance in relation to any proceedings to which this Article applies,
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
may grant the application on any of the following grounds—
</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-2-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>that the case raises a question of principle;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-2-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>that it is unreasonable to expect the applicant to deal with the case unaided (because of its complexity, because of the applicant’s position in relation to another party or for some other reason);</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-2-c">
<num>c</num>
<content>
<p>
that there is some other special consideration which makes it appropriate for
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
to provide assistance.
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-9-3">
<num>3</num>
<intro>
<p>
If
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
grants an application, it may—
</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-3-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>provide or arrange for the provision of legal advice;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-3-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>arrange for legal or other representation (which may include any assistance usually given by a solicitor or counsel);</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-3-c">
<num>c</num>
<content>
<p>seek to procure the settlement of any dispute;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-9-3-d">
<num>d</num>
<content>
<p>provide or arrange for the provision of any other assistance which it thinks appropriate.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-9-4">
<num>4</num>
<content>
<p>Paragraph (3)(b) does not affect the law and practice as to who may represent a person in relation to any proceedings.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-9-5">
<num>5</num>
<content>
<p>
The Commission may authorise any employee of
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
to exercise such of its functions under this Article as it may determine.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-10">
<num>10</num>
<heading>Recovery of expenses of providing assistance</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-10-1">
<num>1</num>
<intro>
<p>This Article applies where—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-10-1-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
has given an individual assistance under Article 9 in relation to any proceedings; and
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-10-1-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>any costs or expenses (however described) have become payable to him by another person in respect of the matter in connection with which the assistance is given.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-10-2">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>
A sum equal to any expenses incurred by
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
in providing the assistance shall be a first charge for the benefit of
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
on the costs or expenses concerned.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-10-3">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>It is immaterial for the purposes of this Article whether the costs or expenses concerned are payable by virtue of a decision of a court or tribunal, an agreement arrived at to avoid proceedings or to bring them to an end, or otherwise.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-10-4">
<num>4</num>
<content>
<p>
The charge created by this Article is subject to any charge under the
<noteRef href="#m00005" placement="inline" class="margin-note"/>
Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and is subject to any provision in that Order for payment of any sum into the legal aid fund.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-10-5">
<num>5</num>
<content>
<p>
Provision may be made by regulations made by
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
for the determination of the expenses of
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
in cases where this Article applies.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-11">
<num>11</num>
<heading>Codes of practice</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-11-1">
<num>1</num>
<content>
<p>
The following section shall be inserted at the beginning of Part VII of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
(supplemental)—
</p>
<p class="BlockAmendment">
<mod>
<quotedStructure class="unknown unknown unknown default" startQuote="" endQuote="">
<article eId="d4e889">
<num>54A</num>
<heading>Codes of practice.</heading>
<paragraph eId="d4e893">
<num>1</num>
<intro>
<p>The Commission may prepare and issue codes of practice giving practical guidance—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="d4e899">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>to employers, service providers or other persons to whom provisions of Part II or Part III apply on how to avoid discrimination or on any other matter relating to the operation of those provisions in relation to them; or</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="d4e905">
<num>b</num>
<intro>
<p>to any persons on any other matter, with a view to—</p>
</intro>
<clause eId="d4e911">
<num>i</num>
<content>
<p>promoting the equalisation of opportunities for disabled persons and persons who have had a disability, or</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause eId="d4e917">
<num>ii</num>
<content>
<p>encouraging good practice regarding the treatment of such persons,</p>
</content>
</clause>
<wrapUp>
<p>in any field of activity regulated by any provision of Part II or Part III.</p>
</wrapUp>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e925">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>
The Commission shall, when requested to do so by
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
, prepare a code of practice dealing with the matters specified in the request.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e934">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>
In preparing a code of practice
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
shall carry out such consultations as it considers appropriate (which shall include the publication for public consultation of proposals relating to the code).
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e943">
<num>4</num>
<intro>
<p>The Commission may not issue a code of practice unless—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="d4e949">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>
a draft of it has been submitted to and approved by
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
and laid by
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
before the Assembly; and
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="d4e961">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>the statutory period has elapsed without the Assembly resolving not to approve the draft.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e967">
<num>5</num>
<content>
<p>
If
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
does not approve a draft code of practice submitted to it
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
shall give
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
a written statement of its reasons.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e982">
<num>6</num>
<intro>
<p>
A code of practice issued by
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="d4e991">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>
shall come into effect on such day as
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
may by order appoint;
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="d4e1000">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>
may be revised in whole or part, and re-issued, by
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
; and
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="d4e1009">
<num>c</num>
<content>
<p>
may be revoked by an order made by
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
at the request of
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
.
</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e1021">
<num>7</num>
<intro>
<p>
Where
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
proposes to revise a code of practice—
</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="d4e1030">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>it shall comply with subsection (3) in relation to the revisions; and</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="d4e1036">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>the other provisions of this section apply to the revised code of practice as they apply to a new code of practice.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e1042">
<num>8</num>
<content>
<p>Failure to observe any provision of a code of practice does not of itself make a person liable to any proceedings, but any provision of a code which appears to a court or tribunal to be relevant to any question arising in any proceedings under Part II or Part III shall be taken into account in determining that question.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e1048">
<num>9</num>
<content>
<p>In this section—</p>
<blockList class="unordered">
<item>
<p>“code of practice” means a code of practice under this section;</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
” means the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland;
</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>“discrimination” means anything which is unlawful discrimination for the purposes of any provision of Part II or Part III;</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>
<abbr title="Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister" xml:lang="">the Office</abbr>
” means the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister; and
</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>“statutory period” has the meaning assigned to it by section 41(2) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954.</p>
</item>
</blockList>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
</quotedStructure>
</mod>
<inline name="AppendText">.</inline>
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-11-2">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>
The Commission may treat any consultation undertaken under section 52(2) of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
before the coming into operation of this Article as being effective for the purposes of section 54A(3) of that Act.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-11-3">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>
Nothing in this Article affects
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
’s powers apart from this Article to give practical guidance on matters connected with its functions under this Part.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-12">
<num>12</num>
<heading>
Conciliation of disputes under Part III of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
</heading>
<content>
<p>
For section 28 of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
(arrangements with a view to the settlement of disputes under Part III) there shall be substituted the following section—
</p>
<p class="BlockAmendment">
<mod>
<quotedStructure class="primary unknown main default" startQuote="" endQuote="">
<section eId="d4e1120">
<num>28</num>
<heading>Conciliation of disputes.</heading>
<subsection eId="d4e1124">
<num>1</num>
<content>
<p>The Commission may make arrangements with any other person for the provision of conciliation services by, or by persons appointed by, that person in relation to disputes arising under this Part.</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection eId="d4e1130">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>
In deciding what arrangements (if any) to make,
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
shall have regard to the desirability of securing, so far as reasonably practicable, that conciliation services are available for all disputes arising under this Part which the parties may wish to refer to conciliation.
</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection eId="d4e1139">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>
No member or employee of
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
may provide conciliation services in relation to disputes arising under this Part.
</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection eId="d4e1148">
<num>4</num>
<content>
<p>
The Commission shall ensure that any arrangements under this section include appropriate safeguards to prevent the disclosure to members or employees of
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
of information obtained by a person in connection with the provision of conciliation services in pursuance of the arrangements.
</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection eId="d4e1157">
<num>5</num>
<content>
<p>Subsection (4) does not apply to information relating to a dispute which is disclosed with the consent of the parties to that dispute.</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection eId="d4e1163">
<num>6</num>
<intro>
<p>Subsection (4) does not apply to information which—</p>
</intro>
<paragraph eId="d4e1169">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>is not identifiable with a particular dispute or a particular person; and</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e1175">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>
is reasonably required by
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
for the purpose of monitoring the operation of the arrangements concerned.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection eId="d4e1184">
<num>7</num>
<content>
<p>Anything communicated to a person while providing conciliation services in pursuance of any arrangements under this section is not admissible in evidence in any proceedings except with the consent of the person who communicated it to that person.</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection eId="d4e1190">
<num>8</num>
<content>
<p>In this section—</p>
<blockList class="unordered">
<item>
<p>
<abbr title="Equality Commission for Northern Ireland" xml:lang="">the Commission</abbr>
” means the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland; and
</p>
</item>
<item>
<p>“conciliation services” means advice and assistance provided by a conciliator to the parties to a dispute with a view to promoting its settlement otherwise than through the courts.</p>
</item>
</blockList>
</content>
</subsection>
</section>
</quotedStructure>
</mod>
<inline name="AppendText">.</inline>
</p>
</content>
</article>
<article eId="article-13">
<num>13</num>
<heading>
Procedure for amending section 7(1) of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
</heading>
<content>
<p>
For subsections (3) to (10) of section 7 of the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
(exemption for small businesses) there shall be substituted the following subsections—
</p>
<p class="BlockAmendment">
<mod>
<quotedStructure class="unknown unknown unknown default" startQuote="" endQuote="">
<paragraph eId="d4e1225">
<num>3</num>
<intro>
<p>Before making an order under subsection (2) the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister shall consult—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="d4e1231">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland;</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="d4e1237">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>such organisations representing the interests of employers as that Office considers appropriate; and</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="d4e1243">
<num>c</num>
<content>
<p>such organisations representing the interests of disabled persons in employment or seeking employment as that Office considers appropriate.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="d4e1249">
<num>4</num>
<content>
<p>The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister shall, before laying an order under this section before the Assembly, publish a summary of the views expressed to it in its consultations.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</quotedStructure>
</mod>
<inline name="AppendText">.</inline>
</p>
</content>
</article>
<article eId="article-14">
<num>14</num>
<heading>Regulations</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-14-1">
<num>1</num>
<intro>
<p>Regulations under this Part may make—</p>
</intro>
<subparagraph eId="article-14-1-a">
<num>a</num>
<content>
<p>provision enabling a person to exercise a discretion in dealing with any matter; and</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph eId="article-14-1-b">
<num>b</num>
<content>
<p>incidental, supplemental, consequential or transitional provision.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-14-2">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>Regulations under this Part shall be subject to negative resolution.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-15">
<num>15</num>
<heading>
Consequential amendments to the
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
</heading>
<paragraph eId="article-15-1">
<num>1</num>
<content>
<p>
The
<abbr title="Disability Discrimination Act 1995 c. 50" xml:lang="">1995 Act</abbr>
shall be amended as follows.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-15-2">
<num>2</num>
<content>
<p>In section 67(5) (orders not subject to negative resolution) for “52(8), 54(6)” substitute “54A(6)(a)”.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph eId="article-15-3">
<num>3</num>
<content>
<p>
In Schedule 3 (enforcement and procedure under Parts II and
<abbr class="Acronym" title="3">III</abbr>
), in paragraph 6(2), for the words from “a person” to “approached” there shall be substituted “the dispute concerned is referred for conciliation in pursuance of arrangements under section 28”.
</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</article>
<article eId="article-16">
<num>16</num>
<heading>Repeals</heading>
<content>
<p>The statutory provisions mentioned in Schedule 2 are repealed to the extent specified.</p>
</content>
</article>
<article eId="article-17">
<num>17</num>
<heading>Crown application</heading>
<content>
<p>This Part binds the Crown.</p>
</content>
</article>
</part>
</portionBody>
</portion>
</akomaNtoso>