The Equality Authority welcomes the recent judgements of the European Court of Justice relating to pregnancy discrimination. These judgements clarify that the prohibition against discrimination of a pregnant worker extends not just to permanent employees but also to employees on fixed term contracts. The Court has already held that the dismissal of a female worker…
The Equality Authority welcomed the New Gender Equality Policy for the Civil Service which was launched today by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. “The emphasis in this new policy on targets, timescales and positive action breaks new ground in our pursuit of equality” said Equality Authority CEO Niall Crowley. “The policy makes full use of…
The Equality Authority has expressed it’s concern with the developments in Ballinruane National School at Menlough near Ballinasloe where pupils were kept at home in a row over the decision to allow Travellers td attend the school. Such exclusion from education is an indication not only of grave inequalities but also of the deterioration of…
The Equality Authority welcomes the first successful case under the disability ground in the Employment Equality Act, 1998. The case relates to an employee who manufactured optical discs for a computer component company. She suffers from epilepsy but her condition is well controlled by medication. She had worked in the computer plant for a number…
The UN Anti-Racism Conference in South Africa is currently dominated by headlines surrounding the withdrawal of the US and Israeli delegations. Less visible but equally difficult is the search for a global consensus around a text that adequately addresses the issue of racism. Niall Crowley, C.E.O. of the Equality Authority stated “The importance of the…
The Equality Authority welcomes the recent Labour Court decision in favour of a woman who was dismissed by a firm of Solicitors on age grounds. This is the first decision of its kind in Europe and highlights the growing effectiveness of equality legislation in protecting people from ageism in the workplace. The Equality Authority represented…
The Equality Authority views with concern the statement by the President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland as reported in today’s newspaper that some members of the Traveller community are abusing the Equal Status Act. The allegations made included attempts to demand money from publicans if they refused to serve Travellers. The Equality Authority wishes…
The Equality Authority and the Irish Centre for European Law are hosting a conference today on equality law which has attracted a large attendance from the legal profession and equality interests. Almost three hundred delegates will attend to hear inputs from speakers that include Professor Ivana Bacik, Mary Finlay SC, Adam Tyson EU Commission, Dr…
A Report which analyses the challenge of delivering equality in Ireland, North and South was presented in Belfast today by the Equality Authority and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The Research report – “Charting the Equality Agenda” by Katherine Zappone was jointly commissioned by the two equality bodies to develop a framework for equality…
The Equality Authority is hosting an event called Identity at the Crossroads for lesbians, gays and bisexuals with disabilities in the Erin Room, Dublin Castle on Friday June 29th at 7.30 pm as part of Gay Pride Week. Guest speakers include the Director of Outreach at the Policy, Ethics and Life Science Research Institute, Newcastle…