119   General functions of the Board

(1)  For the purpose of eliminating discrimination and promoting equality and equal treatment of all human beings, the Board may, by resolution, determine to:

(a)  carry out investigations, research and inquiries relating to discrimination and in particular discrimination against a person or persons on the ground of:

(i)  age,

(ii)  a characteristic that appertains generally to persons of a particular age,

(iii)  a characteristic that is generally imputed to persons of a particular age,

(iv)  religious or political conviction,

(v)  a characteristic that appertains generally to persons of a particular religious or political conviction,

(vi)  a characteristic that is generally imputed to persons of a particular religious or political conviction,

(vii)  mental disability,

(viii)  a characteristic that appertains to persons having a mental disability or any particular mental disability,

(ix)  a characteristic that is generally imputed to persons having a mental disability or any particular mental disability,

(x)–(xii)  (Repealed)

(xiii)  membership or non-membership of an industrial organisation, or

(xiv)  a characteristic that appertains generally to membership or non-membership of an industrial organisation or a characteristic that is generally imputed to members or non-members of an industrial organisation,

(b)  acquire and disseminate knowledge on all matters relating to the elimination of discrimination and the achievement of equal rights,

(c)  arrange and co-ordinate consultations, discussions, seminars and conferences,

(d)  review, from time to time, the laws of the State,

(e)  consult with governmental, business, industrial and community groups and organisations in order to ascertain means of improving services and conditions affecting minority groups and other groups which are the subject of discrimination and inequality,

(f)  hold public inquiries, and

(g)  develop human rights programmes and policies.

(2)  The Board may, for the purposes of the exercise of any of its functions under this section, enter into an agreement with any person that provides for payment to the Board for any services or materials it supplies.