Page 62 - Workplace Relations Guide to Employment Law

unlawful to discriminate directly or indirectly opposing unlawful discrimination is called
in relation to occupational pensions on any victimisation and the Equal Status Act
of the nine protected grounds as listed above. specifically protects a person against such
victimisation.

Equal Status
Complaints
The Equal Status Acts 2000-2012 prohibit
discrimination in the provision of goods and A person who claims to have been
services, the disposal of property and access discriminated against or subjected to
to education, on any of the nine grounds set victimisation or not to be receiving equal
out below. The Acts outlaw discrimination pay or a benefit under an equality clause
in all services that are generally available may seek redress by referring the case to the
to the public whether provided by the Director General of the Workplace Relations
state or the private sector. These include Commission under the Employment Equality
facilities for refreshment, entertainment, Acts 1998 to 2011. A claim for redress
banking, insurance, grants, credit facilities, relating to discrimination on the grounds of
transport and travel services. Discrimination gender may be brought to the Circuit Court
in the disposal of premises, provision of instead of to the Director General .
accommodation, admission or access to
educational courses or establishments is also A person who is affected by a collective
prohibited subject to some exemptions. agreement or order can refer a complaint to
the Workplace Relations Commission.
The eleven grounds on which discrimination is
outlawed by the Equal Status Acts are as follows: All claims of discrimination in relation to
occupational pensions may be referred to the
4 Gender Director General of the Workplace Relations
4 Civil status Commission who may refer the matter to the
4 Family status Pensions Board if s/he so wishes for technical
4 Sexual orientation advice on pension matters.
4 Religious belief
4 Age Persons who consider that prohibited conduct,
4 Disability as defined under the Equal Status Acts, has
4 Race colour, nationality, ethnic or been directed against them may seek redress
national origins by referring the case to the Director General
4 Membership of the Traveller of the Workplace Relations Commission.
community Such referrals may also be made by the Irish
4 Victimisation Human Rights and Equality Commission.
4 Housing assistance

Complaints in respect of registered clubs and
licensed premises may only be referred to
the District Court.

Penalising a person for making a complaint
of discrimination or for giving evidence
in someone else’s complaint or lawfully

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