What services do we provide?
The Equality Tribunal was established in 1999. Its purpose is to investigate or mediate in claims of unlawful discrimination under both the Employment Equality Acts, 1998-2011, the Equal Status Acts, 2000-2011, as well as aspects of the Pensions Act, 1990-2008.
What are the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2011?
These Acts outlaw discrimination in employment on nine distinct grounds - gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, and membership of the Traveller community. All aspects of employment are covered, including equal pay for equal work, vocational training, and access to employment, promotion and conditions of employment. For more information, visit our 'Employment Equality Information' section.
What are the Equal Status Acts 2000-2011?
These Acts outlaw discrimination on the same nine grounds in relation to the provision of goods and services, accommodation, disposal of property and education. All services that are generally available to the public, whether provided by the State or the private sector are covered, including facilities for refreshment, entertainment, banking, insurance, grants, loans, credit facilities, transport and travel services.
These Acts also contain prohibition on registered clubs and licensed premises. These cases are heard in the District Court and not the tribunal
For more information, visit our 'Equal Status Information' section.
Who can avail of our services?
In general, any person who feels that s/he has suffered discrimination contrary to the terms of employment equality legislation or the equal status legislation. Claims in respect of registered clubs or licensed premises under the equal status legislation are proper to the District Court.
How to avail of our services?
A person who considers that s/he may have been the subject of discrimination has the right to refer a complaint to the Director within 6 months of the alleged discrimination. Under the equal status legislation, a person must first write to the service provider (person who may have discriminated) within 2 months of the alleged discrimination, outlining the nature of the complaint and stating their intention to refer it to the Director. Both Acts give the person the right to approach the person who may have discriminated for information. The investigation, or in some cases mediation, process begins on receipt of the appropriate referral form in the Tribunal. Complaint referral forms, a standard letter for notifying the service provider and forms for seeking information are available from The Equality Tribunal.
Who deals with claims of discrimination?
The director has a team of specially trained Equality Officers and Equality Mediation Officers who investigate and mediate complaints as appropriate. Equality Officers and Equality Mediation Officers are independent and impartial in their functions.
Redress under the Act?
Where an Equality Officer finds that there has been discrimination s/he may order as appropriate one or more of the following: compensation, equal pay, arrears of wages, equal treatment or an order that a person or persons take a specified course of action.
What happens after a Decision issues?
An Equality Officer issues a legally binding Decision, which may be appealed by either party. In employment cases, an appeal may be made to the Labour Court and in equal status cases to the Circuit Court. An appeal must be made within 42 days from the date of the Decision. A Decision or a mediation settlement, which has not been complied with, may be enforced through the Circuit Court after the period for appeal has elapsed.