Complaints to Equality Tribunal on the rise

15th August 2008

The number of complaints made to the Equality Tribunal in Ireland on grounds of disability grew by 59 per cent during 2007.

In addition, complaints for dismissal on grounds of racial discrimination have increased by 106 per cent during 2007.

Figures from the body revealed that 307 cases of alleged discrimination on race grounds were referred - only 149 similar cases were overseen by the body in 2006.

The number of employment equality claims increased by 44 per cent while there was an 11 per cent rise in claims relating to equal status.

A total of 852 cases were referred to the tribunal in 2007, a rise on the 628 recorded during 2006.

Melanie Pine, director of the Equality Tribunal, said it was important that people used the tribunals as they represent a "vital" form of fighting discrimination.

"Tribunal decisions are important beyond the individual: they can change how systems work to make them fairer in future," she told the Irish Times.

Over £360,000 was paid out in compensation during 2007.

The Equality Tribunal is the impartial forum in Ireland to hear or mediate complaints of alleged discrimination under equality legislation.