“The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) has provided legal assistance to a person involved in a complaint under the Equal Status Acts regarding the provision of a service by a public body. The person alleged that the criteria and the application process for the service was discriminatory on the grounds of disability.
With the assistance from the Commission and the National Advocacy Service for people with disabilities, the person settled their claim on terms satisfactory to both parties.
Chief Commissioner Sinead Gibney said:
“The Commission is delighted to have provided legal assistance to challenge potentially discriminatory access criteria and application process for a service provided by a public body. It is imperative, in a fair and just society, that access to our public services is free from discrimination in all its forms.”
Our client said:
“I greatly appreciate the legal assistance received from the Commission, and the support received from the National Advocacy Service for people with disabilties, in order to vindicate my rights regarding discriminatory practices and the lack of transparency accessing and receiving a public service by a public body under the Equal Status Acts on the protected ground of disability. Without the assistance of the Commission and NAS it would not have been possible to challenge the discriminatory practices and satisfactorily resolve the case. It’s important that persons have recourse under the Equal Status Acts to challenge potentially discriminatory practices and that public services rendered by a public body are just and fair to all.”
ENDS/
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Clarkin, IHREC Communications Manager, |01 852 9641 / 087 468 7760 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