The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) has provided legal assistance to a disabled woman in a discrimination claim under the Equal Status Acts.
The woman alleged that a State body had failed to provide her with transport that would have enabled her to avail of its services on an equal footing with others. The woman referred a complaint of discrimination on the ground of disability to the Workplace Relations Commission (‘the WRC’).
In bringing the claim, the woman said that putting the appropriate supports in place would help her to access educational opportunities appropriate to her needs, to facilitate suitable social opportunities and to help her become more independent. Otherwise, she said, she would be entirely dependent on her family for support.
With assistance from the Commission, the woman settled her claim on terms satisfactory to both parties.
Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission stated:
“The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is pleased to have been able to provide legal assistance to this brilliant young woman.
“Cases like these raise awareness of the vital importance of accommodating disabled people’s needs so that they can access goods and services on an equal footing to others.”
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Notes for Editors:
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Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent public body, appointed by the President and directly accountable to the Oireachtas. The Commission has a statutory remit set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act (2014) to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights institution and is recognised as such by the United Nations. The Commission is also Ireland’s national equality body for the purpose of a range of EU anti-discrimination measures.