‘Quotas’, ‘Regulars only’ and ‘Ban on accompanied children’ outlawed Three important new cases from the ODEI have clarified that publicans who operate ‘quota’ systems, ‘regulars only’ policies and ban accompanied children from their premises are contrary to the Equal Status Act 2000. The Equality Authority which represented the claimants in two of the cases, and…
The Equality Authority welcomed the decision today of the ODEI in favour of Ann McDonagh in her case against Tesco Ireland Ltd. “The case is the first such case to be heard under the Equal Status Act. It is testament to the widespread discrimination experienced by the Traveller community and their ability to challenge this…
Two cases, one represented by the Equality Authority have been upheld in decisions made by the ODEI today. A Traveller who was discriminated against in accessing employment in a hotel has successfully won her case and an award of £5,000 in compensation. A disabled man has been awarded £8,000 for discrimination under the Employment Equality…
A new report of the recruitment of people with disabilities in the public sector was launched today by the Equality Authority and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Mary Wallace TD. The Report is part of a joint venture between the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Equality Authority which…
Today marks the beginning of the Anti-Racist Workplace Week, a joint initiative between the Equality Authority, Congress, the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation and the Construction Industry Federation. “Preventing racism in the workplace is of growing importance”, said Turlough O’Sullivan, Director General of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC). “With the emergence of anti-racism…
The Equality Authority has expressed concern on the outcome of a case taken under the Equal Status Act by a Traveller against the Garda Síochána. The case involved the investigation and prosecution of an incident involving four wandering horses on a public road. The claimant, a member of the Traveller community, was prosecuted because he…
The Equality Authority marked the first anniversary of the Equal Status Act by releasing data on its operation over this first year. The Equal Status Act addresses discrimination in the provision of goods, services, facilities, accommodation and education and the operation of registered clubs. It covers the nine grounds of gender, marital status, family status,…
The Equality Authority and Iarnród Eireann welcome the settlement of one of the first hearing disability claims brought under the Employment Equality Act, 1998. Mr Tom Shanahan who is deaf applied to Iarnród Eireann for the job of body worker. He failed a medical test on account of his deafness. He then brought a claim…
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…