Ireland will try to advance a new EU directive on the principle of equal treatment between men and women to the "greatest extent possible" during the Presidency of the European Union, the Minister for Justice has said.
Addressing a conference of European equality bodies hosted by the Equality Authority in Dublin this afternoon, Mr McDowell said a "key" legislative proposal in the area of equality is the Article 13 directive designed to provide women and men across the EU with a common set of minimum standards of protection against discrimination in access to goods and services.
"The Irish Presidency will advance work on the directive at Council level to the greatest extent possible during our Presidency. In addition, the European Commission is considering bringing forward a proposal for a new directive to consolidate and revise existing directives in the area of equal treatment between men and women in employment," he said.
Other measures under consideration by the Presidency include working with the European Parliament in finalising two programmes, one on combating violence against women and children and a funding proposal for organisations involved in equality issues affecting men and women at European level.
Mr McDowell said the failure of the UN Commission on the Status of Women to agree conclusions on the issue of violence against women at EU level placed an even greater responsibility on the EU to "do everything in its power" to facilitate agreement this year.
The Commission is currently in session in New York. The minister also said the "hugely positive" influence of the European Union in the promotion and protection of the principles of equality and freedom from discrimination within the member states is undeniable.
He said the EU had also been "a source of considerable support in the development of childcare, which is an essential prerequisite to support the needs of women in employment, education and training".
Equality legislation also had a significant role to play in eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities in our society and supporting their equal participation.
He said that, in Ireland, a mainstreaming approach to service provision for people with disabilities "has been evolving".
Mr McDowell said the promotion of equality and combating discrimination are key activities in government programmes across Europe.
"Equality legislation and a properly resourced equality infrastructure are essential pillars of the equality framework. We must seek to build on this framework through the work of equality bodies such as those participating in this event today and through the cohesive approach which the network of equality bodies brings to bear."
"In this way we can ensure that the principles of equality are planted and nourished at the level of the citizen."
Mr McDowell commended the Equality Authority and its chief executive, Mr Niall Crowley, saying the body was "a good model" for the accession countries to follow in establishing their legal and infrastructural framework for equality."
The minister noted Ireland is now nearing the midpoint of its Presidency of the EU and said the State is working effectively with the other member states and the institutions of the EU to build on its achievements at European level.