Understanding Equal Status Grounds

    You are entitled to be treated equally in relation to work and jobs, and in the provision of services:

    Gender

    If you are a woman, a man, or a transgender person.  

    Civil status

    Whether or not you are single, married, separated, divorced, widowed or in a civil partnership.

    Family status

    If you are pregnant, the parent or person responsible for a child under 18, or if you are the main carer or parent of a person with a disability who needs ongoing care.

    Sexual Orientation

    Whether or not you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual.

    Religion 

    No matter what your religious beliefs are, or if you have no religious beliefs. 

    Age

    Whatever your age, so long as you are over the legal school-leaving age (Employment Equality Acts) /over 18 (Equal Status Act).

    Race/Ethnicity

    No matter what race you belong to, or what colour your skin is, or your nationality or ethnic background.

    Traveller Community

    If you are a member of the Traveller community.

    Disability

    If you have a disability. For definitions of what is meant by the word disability, see here.

    Housing Assistance

    If you are in receipt of housing assistance or any social welfare payment (applies to accommodation only). 

    For more information on the Employment Equality Acts & Equal Status Act and to see specific exemptions, see www.ihrec.ie.

    Public Sector Duty

    The Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty (‘the Duty’) is a statutory obligation for public bodies in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. Section 42(1) requires public bodies, in the performance of their functions, to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and protect human rights of staff and people availing of their services. Section 42(2) requires public bodies to assess, address and report on progress in relation to equality and human rights in their strategic plan and annual reports in a manner that is accessible to the public. Click here for more information.

    Useful other links: 

    National Women's Council of Ireland
    Transgender Equality Network Ireland
    LGBT Ireland
    BeLonG To
    Age Action Ireland
    National Youth Council of Ireland
    Immigrant Council of Ireland
    Irish Network Against Racism
    Irish Traveller Movement
    Pavee Point
    National Disability Authority
    Disability Federation Ireland
    AsIAm