The Employment Equality Act 1998 together with a number of other sources of Irish Law including the Consitution, deal with Equality and Discrimination in the Workplace. This Act seeks to prohibit discrimination in relation to:

• Access to employment;
• Conditions of employment;
• Training or experience for or in relation to employment;
• Promotion or regrading;
• Classification of post.

What grounds of discrimination are prohibited by the Act?

• Gender;
• Family status;
• Marital Status;
• Sexual orientation;
• Religion;
• Age;
• Disability;
• Race/nationality/ethnic origins;
• Membership of the traveller community.

The Employment Equality Act further deals with such matters as Equal Pay and Harassment/Sexual harassment in the workplace.

Who does the Act apply to?

• Full-time, part-time and temporary employees
• Public and private sector employment
• Vocational training bodies
• Employment agencies
• Trade unions, professional and trade bodies.

The Act also extends to:

• The self-employed
• Partnerships
• People employed in another person's home

Where remedies do I have?

A person who feels they have been discriminated against can go to The Equality Tribunal, the Labour Court and the Circuit Court. All claims, except for gender discrimination, must firstly be referred to the Equality Tribunal. Gender discrimination claims may go to the Circuit Court. The Equality Tribunal is a quasi judicial body set up to investigate, hear and decide on such claims.

A complaint of discrimination or harassment must be made within 6 months from date of the last act of discrimination. This 6 month time limit can only be extended by up to 12 months by the Director in exceptional circumstances.