This element of the EAA ensures that both Member States and companies will comply with the regulations established to ensure equal minimal accessibility regulation and standards across the EU and within Ireland.
II.
Employment Equality Directive
Overview of the Directive and its Implementation On the 27th of November 2000, the Council of the European Union adopted Directive 2000/78/EC. This directive established a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, known as the Employment Equality Directive.162 The directive prohibits discrimination at the workplace on grounds of religion and belief, age, disability and sexual orientation.163 It explicitly addresses employment and occupation as the Commission regards these as key elements in guaranteeing equal opportunities for all, and as greatly contributing to the full participation of all citizens in economic, cultural and social life. 164 The Directive was adopted to allow everyone to realise their full potential.165 Before the Employment Equality Directive the rights of people with disabilities were only addressed in Recommendation 86/379/EEC of 24 July 1986166 and a Resolution on equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities.167 To close that gap, the new Directive intends to end any direct or indirect discrimination, based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.168 Concerning persons with disabilities the Directive expressively stresses the importance to provide measures to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities in the workplace in order to combat discrimination on the grounds of disability.169
162 Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation [2000] OJ L303/16. 163 European Commission, ‘The Employment Equality Directive’ Memo (2018) 08/ 69. 164 Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation [2000] OJ L303/16, reason 9. 165 Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation [2000] OJ L303/16, reason 9. 166 Council Recommendation 86/379/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the employment of disabled people in the Community [1986] OJ L225/43. 167 Council Resolution 186/02 of 17 June 1999 on equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities [1999] OJ C186/3. 168 Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation [2000] OJ L303/16. 169 Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation [2000] OJ L303/16.
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