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The Disability Equality Duty

Section 49B of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires public authorities to prepare and submit to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland an action plan indicating how they propose to fulfill their disability duties. The Equality Commission must keep under review the effectiveness of these duties.

Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act

Since 1 January 2007, section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 has required public authorities, when carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to:

  • promote positive attitudes towards people with disabilities
  • encourage the participation of people with disabilities in public life

Section 75 equality duty

Section 75 of - and Schedule 9 to - the Northern Ireland Act 1998 places a statutory obligation on public authorities in carrying out their functions. And to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across a range of different groups including between persons with a disability and those without.

Finding out more about the Disability Equality Duty and Section 75 equality duty

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) has responsibility for enforcing the Disability Equality Duty and the Section 75 equality duty. They can take legal action against public sector organisations that have not done as they are required.

You can find information about ECNI’s approach to enforcement and further detailed information on these processes on its website:

You can also get further information on the website of the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM):