RED Network

Under Irish law discrimination is illegal in the provision of goods, facilities and services available to the public generally, schools and other educational establishments, the provision of accommodation and in relation to membership of private registered clubs. In addition to this discrimination on the grounds of ‘race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins’ is forbidden.

Qualitative Info

The information can be found in the Irish Statute Book and from the Equality Authority of Ireland and comes from the Equality Act 2000 and Employment Equality Act 1998. The Employment Equality Act forbids discrimination on 9 grounds; gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age and disability.
 

External Url http://www.irishstatutebook.ie, http://www.equality.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

The Equality Authority of Ireland outlines 9 grounds in which discrimination is illegal in the state, these are; gender, family status, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, race and membership of the traveller community. EU equality legislation forbids discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, all of which are covered in Irish law.

Qualitative Info

The 9 grounds for discrimination come from the Employment Equality Act of 1998 and can be read at www.dublinpact.ie/word/Equality-Legislation-IRL.doc.  EU legislation is found in article 6 of the EU treaty and can be read at http://www.equal-check.eu/equality_lagislation_in_eu.php

External Url http://www.equalcheck.eu, http://www.irishstatutebook.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

The national law covers all grounds in EU law.  In addition, the national law provides protection for civil status and family status.  It also provides separate protection for membership of the Traveller community.

Qualitative Info

The primary national legislation to combat discrimination is the following:  the Employment Equality Acts (EEA) 1998-2004 and the Equal Status Acts (ESA) 2000-2004. 

 

A careful description of the grounds can be found in the PDF linked through the External URL.  A short paragraph of that document is quoted here:  "The EEA prohibits discrimination in relation to employment on the basis of: gender, family status, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, religious belief, race, and membership of the Traveller community. The ESA outlaws discrimination on the same grounds with regard to goods, services and education."

External Url http://www.flac.ie/download/pdf/090710_antidiscrimination_law_terms_of_reference_july_2010.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

Generally nationality and citizenship is not grounds for discrimination in Ireland. However certain Irish language requirements in the civil service (e.g. Primary school teaching) serves as a barrier for non-nationals seeking employment. It is also alleged that migrant workers are significantly more likely to encounter discrimination while lookin for work.

Qualitative Info

 

Migrant Rights Center Ireland policy paper 2010 attempts to explore 'racism and how it is manifested towards migrant workers in Ireland.' In this paper it is claimed that Non-Irish nationals are three times more likely to experience discrimination while looking for work. When accessing some public services migrant workers must satisfy the ‘Habitual Residency Condition’ which is claimed disproportionately affects migrants. The Irish welfare office are primarily responsible for enforcing the Habitual Residencey Condition. http://www.welfare.ie/en/operationalguidelines/pages/habres.aspx.

External Url http://www.welfare.ie, http://www.mrci.ie/

See other countriesSee indicator history

Ireland is a signatory of the UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, 1961. This convention allows signatories to ‘to elaborate the content of their nationality laws,’ though only ‘in compliance with international norms relating to nationality, including the principle that statelessness should be avoided.’ In the case of a stateless person the Minister will normally waive 2 of the 5 years' reckonable residence requiremed for naturalisation.

Qualitative Info

UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness 1961 http://untreaty.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/6_1_1961.pdf

Details of Irish naturalisation procedure can be obtained fom http://www.citizensinformation.ie

External Url http://www.untreaty.un.org, www.citizensinformation.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

All factors relating to race, ethnic origin and religion in EU law are satisfied by the 9 grounds for discrimination forbidden in the Employment equality act 1998.

Qualitative Info

The Lisbon Treaty of 2009 generally prohibits ‘any discrimination based on any ground, such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.’ The 9 grounds for discrimination forbidden in irish law are: gender, family status, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, race and membership of the traveller community.

External Url www.dublinpact.ie/word/Equality-Legislation-IRL.doc

See other countriesSee indicator history

The two semi-state organisations that receive, handle, and investigate complaints of discrimination on the nine grounds defined in anti-discrimination legislation are the Equality Authority and the Equality Tribunal.  The Equality Authority advocates for a more equal society by providing information and support to those experiencing discrimination and by working to promote equal opportunities systemically.  The Equality Tribunal actually arbitrates complaints of discrimination.

Qualitative Info

About The Equality Authority (from their website - http://www.equality.ie)

"The Equality Authority is an independent body set up under the Employment Equality Act 1998.  It was established on 18th October 1999.  The Equality Authority replaced the Employment Equality Agency, and has a greatly expanded role and functions.  The Employment Equality Act, 1998 and the Equal Status Act, 2000 outlaw discrimination in employment, vocational training, advertising, collective agreements, the provision of goods and services and other opportunities to which the public generally have access on nine distinct grounds.

 

These are:

* gender;

* civil status;

* family status;

* age;

* disability;

* race;

* sexual orientation;

* religious belief; and

* membership of the Traveller Community."

 

Mission Statement: "The Equality Authority seeks to achieve positive change in the situation and experience of those groups and individuals experiencing inequality by stimulating and supporting a commitment to equality:

 

* Within the systems and practices of key organisations and institutions.

* As part of the cultural values espoused by society.

* As a dimension to individual attitudes and actions."

 

About The Equality Tribunal:  (from their website - http://www.equalitytribunal.ie/)

"The Equality Tribunal is the impartial forum to hear or mediate complaints of alleged discrimination under equality legislation.  It is independent and quasi-judicial and its decisions and mediated settlements are legally binding.  The equality legislation prohibits discrimination on 9 grounds - gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the Traveller community. 

 

"Please note:  The relevant legislation is the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011, Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2011 and the Pensions Acts 1990 to 2009.

 

"Our Mission [is to] contribute to a fairer society through providing a fair, accessible and impartial forum to remedy unlawful discrimination."

 

"Our Mandate: The Employment Equality Act 1998, which established the Equality Tribunal, provides a statutory framework whereby we mediate and/or investigate claims of unlawful discrimination in accordance with the provisions of the Act.  Various legislative changes have occurred since our establishment and we now have a unique responsibility for mediating and investigating complaints of unlawful discrimination under the following legislation:

 

* Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2011

* Equal Status Acts 2000 -2011

* Pensions Acts 1990-2009.

 

"Our jurisdiction is wide ranging and includes complaints in relation to employment, occupational benefits e.g. pensions, and equal status, i.e. access to goods and provision of services, with two exceptions:

 

* Claims in relation to registered clubs and licensed premises are dealt with by the District Court under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003;

 

* Complainants in relation to employment discrimination on the gender ground have an option of seeking redress for unlawful discrimination from the Circuit Court.

 

Our core work focuses on impartial resolution of discrimination disputes on the following grounds:

·   gender

·   civil status

·   family status

·   sexual orientation

·   religion

·   age

·   disability

·   race (including colour, nationality or national or ethnic origin)

·   membership of the Traveller community

 

and in the following areas

·        all aspects of employment including recruitment and retirement benefits

·        access to accommodation and disposal of property

·        access to goods

·        provision of services, and certain aspects of education"

External Url http://www.equalitytribunal.ie/About-Us/Frequently-Asked-Questions/

See other countriesSee indicator history

There is no longer a national mechanism in place to collect data on racial discrimination since the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism closed in December 2008. This data is collected solely by NGOs and the police force. The Central Statistics Office does however publish statistics on discrimination in its Quarterly National Household Survey on Equality.

Qualitative Info

Central Statistics Office's Quarterly Household Servey on Equality: http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/labourmarket/2010/qnhs_equalityq42010.pdf . The Immigrant Council of Ireland published Garda data (collated by the CSO) on numbers of yearly recorded racially motivated attackes in Dublin in its 2011 publication 'Taking Racism Seriously.'

External Url www.cso.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

Working within an EU framework the legislation does allow for the possibility of special/positive action in so far as in EU law positive action is lawful whereas positive discrimination is not. There is also what is referred to as reasonable accommodation which primarily relates to people with disabilities and is compulsory in EU law. Irish law specifically allows for positive action in relation to gender, disability, membership of the Traveller community and for older workers over 50

Qualitative Info

“Positive Action in Politics – Lessons and Challenges from Employment Equality Law” Marion Jennings DIT;  “For positive action measures to be upheld by the ECJ they must be necessary to achieve a legitimate aim, proportionate to the aim they are pursuing and be objectively justified.”

For information on Irelands Reasonable Accommodation policy see the National Disabilities Authority (NDA), http://www.nda.ie

Guidelines for Employment Equality Policies in Enterprises: http://www.workahead.ie/downloads/Guideline_for_Employment_Equality_Policies_in_Enterprises.pdf

External Url www.politicalreform.ie, www.dit.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

Though the possibility of positive action is provided for in Irish legislation, the only widespread program being implemented concerns members of the travelling community under the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998. The removal of the Irish language requirement for entering the police force can also be considered positive action.

Qualitative Info

The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998: Each major housing authority must adopt a 5 year program to provide Traveller accommodation in their area. The act also allows these authorities to provide loans to members of the travelling community.

External Url http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1998/en/act/pub/0033/index.html

See other countriesSee indicator history

There is little/no independent data on state representatives and discriminatory behaviour. However, On 22 November 2011, there was a high profile incident wherein Darren Scully, the mayor of Naas, Co. Kildare, stated his intention to no longer represent ‘black African’ constituents

Qualitative Info

The incident was reported in all major media outlets and resulted in Darren Scully resigning from his post. In December 2011, Mr. Willie O’Callaghan of Fianna Fáil was elected as the new Mayor of Naas

External Url http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1122/breaking30.html

See other countriesSee indicator history

The Equality Authority, a public body, provides legal support for victims of discrimination on a strategic enforcement basis.  Victims can access information and legal support from the Equality Authority.  They can access redress mechanisms through the Equality Tribunal, a quasi-judicial public body.

Qualitative Info

About The Equality Authority (from their website - http://www.equality.ie)

"The Equality Authority is an independent body set up under the Employment Equality Act 1998.  It was established on 18th October 1999.  The Equality Authority replaced the Employment Equality Agency, and has a greatly expanded role and functions.  The Employment Equality Act, 1998 and the Equal Status Act, 2000 outlaw discrimination in employment, vocational training, advertising, collective agreements, the provision of goods and services and other opportunities to which the public generally have access on nine distinct grounds.

 

These are:

* gender;

* civil status;

* family status;

* age;

* disability;

* race;

* sexual orientation;

* religious belief; and

* membership of the Traveller Community."

 

Mission Statement: "The Equality Authority seeks to achieve positive change in the situation and experience of those groups and individuals experiencing inequality by stimulating and supporting a commitment to equality:

 

* Within the systems and practices of key organisations and institutions.

* As part of the cultural values espoused by society.

* As a dimension to individual attitudes and actions."

 

About The Equality Tribunal:  (from their website - http://www.equalitytribunal.ie/)

"The Equality Tribunal is the impartial forum to hear or mediate complaints of alleged discrimination under equality legislation.  It is independent and quasi-judicial and its decisions and mediated settlements are legally binding.  The equality legislation prohibits discrimination on 9 grounds - gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the Traveller community. 

 

"Please note:  The relevant legislation is the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011, Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2011 and the Pensions Acts 1990 to 2009.

 

"Our Mission [is to] contribute to a fairer society through providing a fair, accessible and impartial forum to remedy unlawful discrimination."

 

"Our Mandate: The Employment Equality Act 1998, which established the Equality Tribunal, provides a statutory framework whereby we mediate and/or investigate claims of unlawful discrimination in accordance with the provisions of the Act.  Various legislative changes have occurred since our establishment and we now have a unique responsibility for mediating and investigating complaints of unlawful discrimination under the following legislation:

 

* Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2011

* Equal Status Acts 2000 -2011

* Pensions Acts 1990-2009.

 

"Our jurisdiction is wide ranging and includes complaints in relation to employment, occupational benefits e.g. pensions, and equal status, i.e. access to goods and provision of services, with two exceptions:

 

* Claims in relation to registered clubs and licensed premises are dealt with by the District Court under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003;

 

* Complainants in relation to employment discrimination on the gender ground have an option of seeking redress for unlawful discrimination from the Circuit Court.

 

Our core work focuses on impartial resolution of discrimination disputes on the following grounds:

·   gender

·   civil status

·   family status

·   sexual orientation

·   religion

·   age

·   disability

·   race (including colour, nationality or national or ethnic origin)

·   membership of the Traveller community

 

and in the following areas

·        all aspects of employment including recruitment and retirement benefits

·        access to accommodation and disposal of property

·        access to goods

·        provision of services, and certain aspects of education"

External Url http://www.equalitytribunal.ie/About-Us/Frequently-Asked-Questions/

See other countriesSee indicator history

Though the onus of proof lies with the plaintiff in constitutional actions, there is provision for the shifting of the burden of proof in discrimination cases. In 1997 a council directive on the burden of proof in sex discrimination cases was issued.. There has been some precedence’s applying this to other discrimination cases since. A report by EUMC found that to fully conform with EU directive on the subject amendments need to be made.

Qualitative Info

The European Monitoring Centre for Racism and Xenophobia commissioned a report on ‘Anti-discrimination Legislation in EU Member States.’ Irelands section can be read here http://www.pedz.uni-mannheim.de/daten/edz-b/ebr/02/ART13_Ireland-en.pdf

External Url http://www.pedz.uni-mannheim.de/daten/edz-b/ebr/02/ART13_Ireland-en.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

Yes, in theory, through Independent law centres such as Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Irish Refugee Council though they can only engage in matters relating to immigration. The only independent law centre that deals directly with discrimination is the Irish Traveller Movement.

Qualitative Info

 http://www.itmtrav.ie/keyissues/legalunit The legal department of the Irish Traveller Movement

http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/ Immigrant Council of Ireland

http://www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie/ Irish Refugee Council

External Url http://www.itmtrav.ie/

See other countriesSee indicator history

Class action is not on the Irish Statute Book, in order to take a case there must be a single, named victim. Though the Law Reform Commission recommended the introduction of multi party litigation in 2005, it still remains the case that Ireland does not allow for class action suits.

Qualitative Info

The Law Reform Commissions report on multi party litigation can be read at http://www.lawreform.ie/2005/report-on-multi-party-litigation.228.html

External Url www.lawreform.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

Sanctions are provided in anti-discrimination legislature. The Equal Status Act 2000 provides a sanction of removal of liquor licence against clubs found to be discriminating against members or applicants for membership. Penalties are also outlined in the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989.

Qualitative Info

Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989:

A person guilty of an offence under section 2 , 3 or 4 shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both, or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.

External Url www.irishstatutebook.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

A person guilty of an offence the Prohibition of Incitement of Hatred act 1989 shall be liable (a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both, or (b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both

Qualitative Info

The full act can be read at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1989/en/act/pub/0019/print.html#sec6

External Url www.irishstatutebook.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

Indeed, several; the Equality Authority takes only test cases, migrants may choose not to participate in a case if it can jeopardise an application (residency, social housing, etc.) Additionally “Civil legal aid is seriously underfunded, operates an impossibly low means test threshold, confines itself almost exclusively to family law cases and is legally barred from taking test cases.” (Mel Cousins 2011)

Qualitative Info

http://www.equality.ie

Using Law and Litigation in the Public Interest Michael Farrell, Solicitor, FLAC: http://www.flac.ie/download/pdf/mfarrell_flac_061005.pdf

External Url http://www.flac.ie/download/pdf/mfarrell_flac_061005.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

There has been a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of the national implementation of EU anti-discrimination directives conducted by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia in 2002.

 

Qualitative Info

The report was compiled by Dave Ellis under the guidance of the Migration Policy Group, Irelands section can be read here http://www.pedz.uni-mannheim.de/daten/edz-b/ebr/02/ART13_Ireland-en.pdf

External Url http://www.pedz.uni-mannheim.de/daten/edz-b/ebr/02/ART13_Ireland-en.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

While the Garda Síochána (Irish Police) deny that this is practiced in any way, research exists to show that there is some evidence that this practice occours in certain settings.

Qualitative Info

The Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland released a piece of exploratory research in 2011 which documented experiences of ethnic profiling by law enforcement, especially along the border between Northern Ireland and the Republuic of Ireland. This report is available here: http://www.mrci.ie/New-MRCI-Report-on-Ethnic-Profiling-in-Ireland-detail-news/ 

See other countriesSee indicator history

Evidence exists of significant underreporting of instances of racist incidents and crimes.

Qualitative Info

In 2011, the Immigrant Council of Ireland released 'Taking Racism Seriously: Migrants’ Experiences of Violence, Harassment and Anti-social Behaviour in the Dublin Area'

The research, funded by Dublin City Council, explored the experiences of people accessing the ICI’s anti-racism support services, a number of case studies and focus group interviews with Asian healthcare workers, Dublin Bus drivers and the LUAS’s revenue protection officers

As part of this research it was identified that there is a significant difference between the experiences of individuals in terms of racist instances and crimes and what is being reported to the authorities. Read the report here.

See other countriesSee indicator history

No there is no evidence of this nature.

See other countriesSee indicator history

Yes, in some cases.

Qualitative Info

In some instances, a migrants access to justice may be inhibited by their immigration status. While the courts and various tribunals and agencies with a remit in the area do not specifically state that a migrant who is undocumented is excluded from availing of their services, in reality many face significant problems in accessing their right to redress. In this way their access to justice is disproportionaly affected by their immigration status. In other areas where the individuals status is not in question, migrants have generally the same access to legal protection as Irish nationals but agruably are subject to many more areas of discretionaly practices which often make their position more vulnerable.

Source: MRCI Report 'Accessing Redress for Workplace Exploitation: The Experience of Migrant Workers' Page 30.

See other countriesSee indicator history

To date there is no specific evidence of practices of this nature.

See other countriesSee indicator history

There are differential unemployment rates among immigrants in Ireland. Non-Irish nationals have an unemployment rate of 16.1 % where as the figure is 12.7 % Non-Irish nationals however, non-nationals have a 0.9% higher employment rate than Irish nationals. (As of May 4, 2010)

Qualitative Info

“In the first quarter of 2010 the employment rate for non-Irish nationals was 61 per cent in comparison to 60.1 per cent for Irish nationals. The unemployment rate for the labour force as a whole was 13.1 per cent. The unemployment rate for non-Irish nationals, at 16.1 per cent, was considerably higher than that of Irish nationals, at 12.7 per cent.”- Annual Monitoring Report on Integration 2010

External Url http://www.emn.ie/files/p_201105051222442011_AnnualMonitoringReportIntegration_ESRI_IntegrationCentre.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

There are no statistics for minority employment as the statistics available only take in to account nationality and not membership of specific ethnic or religious groups. The unemployment rates when sorted into nationalities do show differential unemployment levels however.

Qualitative Info

The unemployment rates divided by nationality are as follows (‘000’s):

·        Irish nationals: 268.9

·        Non-Irish nationals: 45.8

·        United Kingdom: 9.5

·        EU15 excl. Irl. & UK: 1.3

·         EU15 to EU27 States: 24.7

·         Other:10.3

-From the Quarterly National Household Survey conducted by the Central Statistics Office (2011, q3)

External Url http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/labourmarket/2011/qnhs_q32011.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

Data shown in the Integration Authority’s ‘Annual Monitoring Report on Integration 2010’ reveals differential pay rates between Irish nationals and non-nationals. With non-nationals earning less than their Irish counterparts, on average. The report also found that immigrants from English speaking countries pay rates are roughly equivalent to Irish nationals.

Qualitative Info

Table 6.13 Gross weekly wage for those who work more than 30 hours a week by place of birth

€
Irish	801
Non-Irish of which:	709*
UK	857
EU13	796
EU12	534*
Settler Countries	751
Asia and Middle East	718*
Africa	875

 

External Url http://www.esri.ie/publications/latest_publications/view/index.xml?id=3235

See other countriesSee indicator history

There are no official legal restrictions or effective practices of exclusion for immigrants joining trade unions

Qualitative Info

In 2010, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) published a strategy called; ‘Towards a Strategy for the Inclusion of Migrant Workers in Trade Unions.’ It can be read in full herehttp://www.ictu.ie/download/pdf/ictu_migrant_workers_a5.pdf

External Url http://www.ictu.ie/download/pdf/ictu_migrant_workers_a5.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

Certain Irish language requirements in the civil service (e.g. Primary school teaching, librarian positions) serves as a barrier for non-nationals seeking employment. The Irish language restrictions for lawyers, secondary school teachers, and the gardai have been removed.

Qualitative Info

“Proficiency in Irish: Within the public sector, there are a number of areas where competence in Irish is required such as for Primary school teaching, and librarian positions. Until recently Irish was also a requirement for An Garda Síochána, although this was amended to facilitate greater diversity. While Irish is now a requirement for a very limited range of jobs in the public service, the misperception amongst some immigrants, and indeed amongst Irish that it is a requirement for a broad range of roles represents a barrier.”

-‘Issues and Challenges in the Recruitment and Selection of Immigrant Workers in Ireland’ Prepared for the Employers’ Diversity Network of the Public Appointments Service

External Url www.integration.ie

See other countriesSee indicator history

There are no official legal restrictions or effective practices of exclusion for immigrants joining trade unions

Qualitative Info

In 2010, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) published a strategy called; ‘Towards a Strategy for the Inclusion of Migrant Workers in Trade Unions.’ It can be read in full here

 

External Url http://www.ictu.ie/download/pdf/ictu_migrant_workers_a5.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

There are examples of good practices and positive initiatives against work place discrimination. In 2010, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) published a strategy called; ‘Towards a Strategy for the Inclusion of Migrant Workers in Trade Unions,’ a section of this document is dedicated to describing examples of good practice in dealing with difficulties experienced by migrants. 

 

 

Qualitative Info

Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)- ‘Towards a Strategy for the Inclusion of Migrant Workers in Trade Unions,’

External Url http://www.ictu.ie/download/pdf/ictu_migrant_workers_a5.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

To date there has been no significant evidence of segregation between migrant populations and the majority population.

Qualitative Info

Evidence and analysis from the Irish census of 2010 may provide a clearer picture of the dispersal or integration of migrant communities among the majority population. To date, this information is not available and initial evidence suggests that while there are areas that have a larger migrant population (Dublin the capital city for example, and certain particular areas of Dublin) there does not seem to be any suggestion that this concentration amounts to segregation.

However, the system of 'direct provision', where persons seeking asylum are housed separately in hostel accommodation, has been identifed by some NGO groups as a severe social issue and could be seen as a form of segregation. A report by FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) on the issue of direct provision can be read here: Read.

See other countriesSee indicator history

There is no evidence of segregation based on ethnic origin in Ireland.

See other countriesSee indicator history

According to a report presented to the Social Sciences and Public Policy conference held in Galway;

“The greatest degree of segregation is experienced by the Travelling community, followed by people in local authority housing, followed by non-nationals and ethnic minorities.  There is relatively little segregation around social class or status.” -'Ireland After Nama'

Qualitative Info

Data on segregation in Irish cities can be read viewed here:

http://irelandafternama.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/des-slide-11.jpg

http://irelandafternama.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/des-slide-2.jpg

External Url http://irelandafternama.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/segregation-in-irish-cities/

See other countriesSee indicator history

According to a report presented to the Social Sciences and Public Policy conference held in Galway;

“The greatest degree of segregation is experienced by the Travelling community, followed by people in local authority housing, followed by non-nationals and ethnic minorities.  There is relatively little segregation around social class or status.”

Qualitative Info

The Ireland After Nama report can be viewed here: http://irelandafternama.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/segregation-in-irish-cities/

External Url http://irelandafternama.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/segregation-in-irish-cities/

See other countriesSee indicator history

To date there is no evidence of this in Ireland.

See other countriesSee indicator history

To date there is no evidence of a denial of housing rights based on ethnicity, apart from anecdotal evidence of individual instances of some landlords of private rented accommodation discriminating against certain nationalities. No overall information exists on this practice however.

See other countriesSee indicator history

Evidence exists that this is an issue in certain areas.

Qualitative Info

In a report of 2009 the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Focus Ireland looked into the housing experiences of four migrant communities in a particular area of Dublin. Among its findings, the report highlighted that some of the private rented accommodation rented by migrants was of poor of insufficient standards - this issue however is likey to be similar for Irish nationals living in the same area and is not specific to persons of a migrant background. This report can be read and downloaded here.

See other countriesSee indicator history

There is insufficient evidence to suggest that this occours.

Qualitative Info

In a report of 2009 the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Focus Ireland looked into the housing experiences of four migrant communities in a particular area of Dublin. Among its findings, the report highlighted that some of the private rented accommodation rented by migrants was of poor of insufficient standards - this issue however is likey to be similar for Irish nationals living in the same area and is not specific to persons of a migrant background. This report can be read and downloaded here.

See other countriesSee indicator history

Some evidence exists that this may be the case in limited circumstances. In specific relation to buying property, many migrants do not qualify to get a mortgage,

Qualitative Info

The criteria set out by many banks requires that an applicant for a mortgage must demonstrate that they are on full residency status or higher before they are eligible to apply. This excludes many categories of migrants such as work permit holders, green card holders, international students, asylum seekers, dependant spouses and undocumented migrants. This could be percieved as a barrier to some migrants accessing finance to purchase property of their choice.

Source: http://www.livinginireland.ie/en/housing/#four

See other countriesSee indicator history

In some cases, access to finance is the issue in purchasing property.

Qualitative Info

The criteria set out by many banks requires that an applicant for a mortgage must demonstrate that they are on full residency status or higher before they are eligible to apply. This excludes many categories of migrants such as work permit holders, green card holders, international students, asylum seekers, dependant spouses and undocumented migrants. This could be perceived as a barrier to some migrants accessing finance to purchase property of their choice.

Source: http://www.livinginireland.ie/en/housing/#four

See other countriesSee indicator history

To date there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case in Ireland.

See other countriesSee indicator history

To date there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case in Ireland.

See other countriesSee indicator history

To date there has been no evidence of practices of this nature.

See other countriesSee indicator history

In general there has been no specific link, or significant suggestion of such a link, between certain minority groups and specific diseases. There has however been some suggestions that Ireland should screen prospective immigrants for Tuberculosis. To date this practice has not been instituted.

Qualitative Info

Source: Irish Medical News.

External Url http://www.imn.ie/news/4396-tb-screening-for-immigrants-proposed

See other countriesSee indicator history

The significant barriers to migrants access to social protection are 1) legal status and 2) Satisfying the Habitual Residency Condition.

Qualitative Info

In general, a migrant must first satisfy the Irish Department of Social Protection that they are legally residing in the country with a valid, up to date immigration status.

Once the applicants right to reside has been established the following 5 factors are examined to find out if they are habitually resident in Ireland:

• Length and continuity of residence in Ireland
• Length and purpose of any absence from Ireland
• Nature and pattern of employment
• The applicants main centre of interest
• The applicants future intentions to live in Ireland as it appears from the evidence

(Source)

See other countriesSee indicator history

Yes.

Qualitative Info

Research suggest that some migrants do face a risk of poverty in Ireland. In 2007, the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research indicated that migrants faced a higher risk of poverty than the majority population: Source.

In addition the European Anti Poverty Network Ireland has also raise the issue of migrants facing discrimination and poverty. Source:

See other countriesSee indicator history

Yes.

Qualitative Info

The National Womens Council of Ireland have drawn attention to the particular issues concerning womens health in Ireland, including the issues faced by women from diverse cultural backgrounds and immigration status. Read the full report here: http://www.nwci.ie/download/pdf/healthreport06.pdf

The Combat Poverty Agency has also raised the issue of gender and ethnicity as a determining factor in an individuals experience of receiving appropriate healthcare. Source: http://www.publichealth.ie/files/file/Tackling%20health%20inequalities.pdf

The NGO Akidwa has also drawn particlular attention to the health issues faced by women seeking asylum in Ireland. Source: http://www.akidwa.ie/Publications/AmOnlySayingItNowAkiDwA.pdf

The NGO Cairde has also drawn attention to ths issues facing migrant women who are HIV positive in Ireland. Source: http://www.cairde.ie/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Listen_Women_and_HIV.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

The main positive initiative that exists in relation to diversity and health care is the HSE (Health Sevice Executive) Intercultural Health Strategy.

Qualitative Info

The 2007 - 2012 Intercultural Health Strategy of the Irish Health Service Executive was a significant piece of work to begin the progress the inclusion of service users from diverse backgrounds into the health system in Ireland. The document can be read here.

A serious issue for the future is the lack of resources available within the health system to progress this positive initiative.

See other countriesSee indicator history

Evidence exists of naturalised Irish nationals who are from a migrant background being overlooked at election time by campaigners.

Qualitative Info

The Immigrant Council of Ireland launched a campaign in 2011 to highlight the situation of naturalised Irish nationals who are from a  migrant background being overlooked at the time of a national election by campaigners and candidates. The campaign, entitled 'Count Us In' highlighted that the main Irish political parties were at risk of loseing out on a significant number of votes if they did not recognise and address the needs of this demographic. In turn, migrants who had acquired Irish citizenship expressed severe disenfranchisement with the electoral system as they felt that their vote did not count. Further information is available here: http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/integration/political-integration

Information on the 'Count Us In' campaign on the 'Cities of Migration' website: http://citiesofmigration.ca/good_idea/count-us-in/

See other countriesSee indicator history

Self-identification is not a criterion for minority, ethnic, cultural, linguistic or religious groups' right to recognition by the Irish government. This is evident from  its first report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in 2004. Here the Irish government refused to recognize Travelers as a distinct ethnic group despite their self-identification as such (census).

Qualitative Info

“In regard to the scope of the Report it should be noted that Irish Travellers do not constitute a distinct group from the population as a whole in terms of race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.”

-From the report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), 2004

External Url http://www.itmtrav.ie/keyissues/myview/122

See other countriesSee indicator history

No, no restrictions of this nature exist either in practice or legislation in Ireland.

See other countriesSee indicator history

No, no restrictions of this nature exist either in practice or legislation in Ireland.

See other countriesSee indicator history

The right to freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Irish constitution. A US Department of State report on religious freedom in 2010 found; “no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.” http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2010_5/168317.htm

Qualitative Info

“The Constitution (Bunreacht na hÉireann) guarantees your freedom in Ireland to practice your religion and your freedom of conscience. The state guarantees not to endow or favour any religion and not to discriminate on the grounds of religion.

State aid for schools cannot discriminate between schools of different religious denominations. Every child has the right to attend a denominational school receiving State funding without having to participate in religious instruction in the school.

Your right to religious liberty may be limited to protect public order and morality.

The right of citizens to religious liberty in Ireland is set down in Article 44 of the Constitution.” http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government_in_ireland/irish_constitution_1/religious_liberty.html

External Url http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/attached_files/Pdf%20files/Constitution%20of%20IrelandNov2004.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

The national broadcaster, RTÉ, is obliged by its remit to refrain from bias and reflect regional, cultural and political diversity of Ireland. It is also compelled by the Broadcasting Act 2001 to ‘relflect the cultural diversity of Ireland.’

Qualitative Info

Public Service Remit: “RTÉ, as the national public service broadcaster, shall reflect the democratic, social and cultural values of Irish society and the need to preserve media pluralism RTÉ shall, at all times, strive to reflect fairly and equally the regional, cultural and political diversity of Ireland and its peoples no editorial or programming bias shall be shown in terms of gender, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religion or membership of a minority community”           

Broadcasting Act, 2001: “provide a comprehensive range of programmes in the Irish and English languages that reflect the cultural diversity of the whole island of Ireland and include, both on television and radio (and also, where appropriate, any means of transmission referred to in section 16(2)(bbb) (inserted by this Act) of the Act of 1960) programmes that entertain, inform and educate, provide coverage of sporting, religious and cultural activities and cater for the expectations of the community generally as well as members of the community with special or minority interests and which, in every case, respect human dignity.”

External Url http://www.rte.ie/about/organisation/psb.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

The national broadcaster, RTÉ, is obliged by its remit to support the Irish language. There is no provision in its remit or in legislation regarding non-native languages.

Qualitative Info

Public Service Broadcasting Charter: “in reflecting the bilingual nature of Irish society, RTÉ shall actively support the use of the Irish language in everyday life through the production of suitable programming."

External Url http://www.rte.ie/about/organisation/psb.pdf

See other countriesSee indicator history

In May 2008 the Office of the Minister for Integration published a statement entitled ‘Migration Nation, a statement on integration strategy and diversity management’ which, in part, deals with participation of migrants in sport and assesses strategies for further integration.

Qualitative Info

Extract from, ‘Migration Nation’-

“While a number of migrants do participate in cultural, sporting and

political aspects of Irish society and many communities have staged

cultural and sporting events designed to celebrate the arrival of

different communities and diversity in Irish society, there is scope

to further increase participation by migrants in all of these aspects

of life. The point has been well made that activities in these areas

can play a major part in encouraging integration, especially at

local level.”

“Discussions have taken place with the larger sporting bodies most

directly engaged with migrants about their plans for the future in

encouraging participation of migrants in their activities. The bodies

have drawn up, or are in the course of doing so, detailed

programmes for integration.”

External Url http://www.integration.ie/website/omi/omiwebv6.nsf/page/AXBN-7SQDF91044205-en/$File/Migration%20Nation.PDF

See other countriesSee indicator history

The Irish Government tend to classify people in terms of nationality rather than ethnic status so specifics on minorities in sport are hard to come by, however, in May 2008 the Office of the Minister for Integration published a statement entitled ‘Migration Nation, which, in part, deals with participation of migrants in sport and assesses strategies for further integration. In Ireland many of the minority groups are made up of first or second generation immigrants.

Qualitative Info

Extract from, ‘Migration Nation’-

“While a number of migrants do participate in cultural, sporting and

political aspects of Irish society and many communities have staged

cultural and sporting events designed to celebrate the arrival of

different communities and diversity in Irish society, there is scope

to further increase participation by migrants in all of these aspects

of life. The point has been well made that activities in these areas

can play a major part in encouraging integration, especially at

local level.”

“Discussions have taken place with the larger sporting bodies most

directly engaged with migrants about their plans for the future in

encouraging participation of migrants in their activities. The bodies

have drawn up, or are in the course of doing so, detailed

programmes for integration.”

External Url http://www.integration.ie/website/omi/omiwebv6.nsf/page/AXBN-7SQDF91044205-en/$File/Migration%20Nation.PDF

See other countriesSee indicator history