The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) has provided legal assistance to a person involved in a complaint in the Workplace Relations Commission under the Employment Equality Act regarding indirect discrimination.
The discrimination related to specific eligibility criteria that was required to be satisfied in order for the applicant to be considered for employment with a public body. The person alleged that the eligibility criteria was discriminatory on the grounds of age.
With assistance from the Commission, the person settled their claim on terms satisfactory to both parties.
Chief Commissioner Sinéad Gibney said:
“The Commission is delighted to have provided legal assistance to challenge potentially discriminatory eligibility criteria for access to employment with a public body. It is imperative, in a fair and just society, that access to employment within our public sector is free from discrimination in all its forms.”
Our client said:
“I am grateful to the Commission and the solicitor and barrister they provided for taking on my complaint, representing me at the Workplace Relations Commission and advising me through the process in such a supportive, friendly and expert manner. I’m also grateful to the expert witnesses who went out of their way to put evidence before the Commission. I believe that this complaint will lead to an improvement in the way job applications of older workers are handled, when they seek to have their experience considered as equivalent to academic qualifications.”
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Clarkin, IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8592641 / 087 4687760
sarah.clarkin@ihrec.ie
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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.