Introduction

The Equal Status Acts, prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods and services, the provision of accommodation and access to education, on any of the nine grounds set out below. The Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act has inserted a tenth ground in the provision of accommodation only; the “housing assistance” ground. The Acts outlaw discrimination in all services that are generally available to the public whether provided by the state or the private sector. These include facilities for refreshment, entertainment, banking, insurance, grants, credit facilities, transport and travel services. Discrimination in the disposal of premises, provision of accommodation, admission to, access to and conditions of participation in educational courses or establishments are also prohibited subject to some exemptions.

The grounds on which discrimination is outlawed by the Equal Status Acts are as follows:

• ‘the gender ground’
• ‘the civil status ground’ (formerly marital status)
• ‘the family status ground’
• ‘the sexual orientation ground’
• ‘the religion ground’
• ‘the age ground’
• ‘the disability ground’
• ‘the ground of race’ (includes ‘race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins’)
• ‘the Traveller community’ ground
• “the housing assistance” ground (only in the provision of accommodation)

The Acts also prohibit discrimination against a person based on association with another person, acting as a witness on behalf of that other person, giving evidence on their behalf, legally opposing an act which is unlawful under the Acts, or who has given notice of an intention to take any such actions.

Further information

For further information please email Barry Crushell of Aperture Partners Advisory at bcrushell@aperturepartners.ie or call 01-9053503.

Please note that the material contained herein is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Reference accurate at time of publication but subject to change.