Content Area:

Publications

On this page you will find publications relating to anti-discrimination and diversity issues in Ireland. To find other publications covering these issues in the EU, please visit our Document Library.

Please note that any content in this section does not necessarily represent the opinion or position of the European Commission.

Going Beyond the Law: promoting equality in employment

May 2007

This report is a fully revised and updated 2nd edition of a document issued in 2005, and provides a snapshot of the current state of the implementation of Council Directive 2000/78/EC with regard to the ground of sexual orientation. In addition, this handbook is also intended to be a resource tool and for the updating of policies, as it provides practical good practice examples for employers and trade unions, as well as a number of recommendations to the European Commission, Member States and social partners.

Download document (PDF-file) 507 KB

Our differences make the difference

National Information Flyer Ireland

New European legislation adopted in 2000 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, race or ethnic origin, age and sexual orientation. In 2004, these two European Directives, Framework Employment Directive and Race Directive were integrated into Irish law. These Directives take precedence over Irish law and were implemented by the Equality Act. This act amended the pre-existing equality legislation: The Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000. The changes to the legislation include revised definitions of sexual harassment / harassment, indirect discrimination and reasonable accommodation for people with a disability. In addition there is provision for the shifting of the burden of proof, in certain circumstances, from the claimant to the defendant. This can make it easier for people who have experienced discrimination to prove it.

Download document (PDF-file) 87 KB