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Welcome,
Kicking off 2020, the Commission welcomed the discrimination ruling by the Workplace Relations Commission in the case of an asylum seeker refused a learner driver licence. We provided legal representation to the man in his successful case. The State is seeking to appeal the ruling.
On employment equality, we just launched a new animated video explaining your rights under the Employment Equality Acts. Please take a look and share.
Meanwhile those seeking to ensure that older workers who wish to continue in employment are not discriminated against should consult our guidelines and case studies on Retirement and Fixed-term Contracts.
Finally, ahead of the first General Election since Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, hear from All Human, All Equal campaign participant Dr Rosaleen McDonagh (pictured above) on the rights and requirements of people with disabilities around elections.
Find out more about our latest work and significant human rights and equality issues in Ireland below.
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Barriers to work Asylum seeker refused driver licence experienced discrimination on race ground
An asylum seeker who was refused a learner driver licence was discriminated against on the grounds of race, according to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
The adjudicator ruled that the man had suffered indirect discrimination by being asked “to produce documentation that it was impossible for him to obtain”. He ordered €2,500 in compensation and instructed the driving license service to process the application.
The Commission provided legal representation to the man in his successful case. We will continue in light of the State appeal to assist this man to vindicate his rights and the rights of others in similar situations.
While the Supreme Court has ruled that people in international protection system can seek employment, the reality is that administrative barriers such as this tie people’s hands in the competition to secure work, especially in rural areas.
Resources Workplace Relations Commission–Full decision
Related media The Journal article RTÉ article Irish Times article Irish Independent article Commission media release
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Retirement and fixed-term contracts Guidelines for employers and employees
Ireland’s aging workforce brings opportunities and challenges for employers and employees across the private and public sectors. Employers sometimes offer fixed-term contracts to workers over the compulsory retirement age who may wish to continue in employment. To ensure equal treatment and avoid age-related discrimination in the workplace, employers must objectively justify: 1) Setting a compulsory retirement age; and 2) Offering a fixed-term contract to an employee who reaches that age. Resources Retirement and Fixed-Term Contract Guidelines Case Studies Video Explainer
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Joint Committee continues focus on Brexit Citizenship in Northern Ireland
The Joint Committee of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission this month held a seminar in Belfast to discuss ongoing research on the implications of Brexit for citizenship in Northern Ireland. Attendees heard from experts exploring the continuing of EU rights, opportunities and benefits of EU citizens in Northern Ireland post Brexit, and also a legal analysis of incorporating the birthright committments under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement into UK law.
The Joint Committee has been working since the UK EU Membership Referendum to consider and make recommendations on the rights and equality issues arising from Brexit.
Keep an eye out for new research publications on this topic later this year.
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