Employment Equality Act 1998

Number 21 of 1998

EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY ACT 1998

REVISED

Updated to 2 September 2024

This Revised Act is an administrative consolidation of the Employment Equality Act 1998. It is prepared by the Law Reform Commission in accordance with its function under the Law Reform Commission Act 1975 (3/1975) to keep the law under review and to undertake revision and consolidation of statute law.

All Acts up to and including the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 (30/2024), enacted 23 July 2024, and all statutory instruments up to and including the Employment Permits Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 443 of 2024), made 28 August 2024, were considered in the preparation of this Revised Act.

Disclaimer: While every care has been taken in the preparation of this Revised Act, the Law Reform Commission can assume no responsibility for and give no guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided and does not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions. Please notify any errors, omissions and comments by email to

revisedacts@lawreform.ie.


Number 21 of 1998


EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY ACT 1998

REVISED

Updated to 2 September 2024


ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PART I

Preliminary and General

Section

1.

Short title and commencement.

2.

Interpretation.

3.

Orders and regulations.

4.

Expenses.

5.

Repeals and consequential amendments.

PART II

Discrimination: General Provisions

Introductory

6.

Discrimination for the purposes of this Act.

7.

Like work.

Discrimination in Specific Areas

8.

Discrimination by employers etc.

9.

Provisions in certain agreements and orders.

10.

Advertising.

11.

Employment agencies.

12.

Vocational training.

13.

Membership of certain bodies.

13A.

Partnerships.

14.

Procuring etc. discrimination or victimisation.

14A.

Harassment and sexual harassment.

Vicarious Liability etc.

15.

Liability of employers and principals.

Obligations of Employers etc.

16.

Nature and extent of employer’s obligations in certain cases.

17.

Compliance with statutory requirements etc.

PART III

Specific Provisions as to Equality Between Women and Men

Introductory

18.

Application of equality principles to both men and women.

Remuneration

19.

Entitlement to equal remuneration.

20.

Implied term as to equal remuneration.

20A.

Gender pay gap information.

Other Matters

21.

Equality clause relating to gender issues.

22.

Indirect discrimination on the gender ground.

23.

Sexual harassment in the workplace etc. (Repealed)

24.

Positive action on equal opportunities.

25.

Exclusion of discrimination in certain employments.

26.

Exceptions relating to family and personal matters.

27.

Garda Síochána and prison service.

PART IV

Specific Provisions as to Equality Between other Categories of Persons

28.

The comparators.

29.

Entitlement to equal remuneration.

30.

Equality clause relating to non-gender issues.

31.

Indirect discrimination.

32.

Harassment in the workplace etc.

33.

Positive action permitted.

34.

Savings and exceptions related to the family, age or disability.

35.

Special provisions related to persons with disabilities.

36.

Imposition of certain requirements to be lawful.

37.

Exclusion of discrimination on particular grounds in certain employments.

PART V

Equality Authority

General

38.

Continuation of Employment Equality Agency as Equality Authority. (Repealed)

39.

Functions of Authority. (Repealed)

40.

Strategic Plans. (Repealed)

41.

Membership. (Repealed)

42.

Chairperson. (Repealed)

43.

Disqualification. (Repealed)

44.

Ordinary members. (Repealed)

45.

Chairperson and ordinary members may be re-appointed. (Repealed)

46.

Vice-chairperson. (Repealed)

47.

Meetings and business. (Repealed)

48.

Advisory committees. (Repealed)

49.

Chief Executive Officer. (Repealed)

50.

Accountability of Chief Executive Officer. (Repealed)

51.

Staff. (Repealed)

52.

Seal of Authority. (Repealed)

53.

Accounts and audits. (Repealed)

54.

Annual report and provision of information to Minister. (Repealed)

55.

Grants and borrowing powers. (Repealed)

56.

Codes of practice. (Repealed)

57.

Research and information. (Repealed)

Inquiries by Authority

58.

Inquiries. (Repealed)

59.

Obtaining information etc. for purposes of inquiry. (Repealed)

60.

Offences relating to inquiries etc. (Repealed)

61.

Recommendations arising out of and reports of inquiries. (Repealed)

62.

Non-discrimination notices. (Repealed)

63.

Appeal against non-discrimination notice. (Repealed)

64.

Register of non-discrimination notices. (Repealed)

65.

Injunctions for failure to comply with non-discrimination notice. (Repealed)

66.

Offence relating to failure to comply with non-discrimination notice. (Repealed)

67.

Assistance by Authority in connection with certain references. (Repealed)

PART VI

Equality Reviews and Action Plans and Review of Legislation

68.

Definition (Part VI). (Repealed)

69.

Equality reviews and action plans. (Repealed)

70.

Enforcement powers in respect of equality reviews and action plans. (Repealed)

71.

Appeal against substantive notice. (Repealed)

72.

Enforcement of substantive notices. (Repealed)

73.

Review of legislation. (Repealed)

PART VII

Other Remedies and Enforcement

Introductory

74.

Interpretation (Part VII).

Equality Investigations

75.

Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission and other officers.

Redress

76.

Right to information.

77.

The forum for seeking redress.

77A.

Dismissal of claim.

78.

Mediation.

79.

Investigations by Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission.

80.

References to the Circuit Court.

81.

Consequences of failure to supply information etc.

82.

Redress which may be ordered.

83.

Appeals from the [Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission].

84.

References by the Labour Court to the [Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission.]

85.

Enforcement powers of the Authority.

85A.

Burden of proof.

85B.

Application to Circuit Court or High Court in case of failure to comply with regulations made under section 20A.

85C.

Redress through Workplace Relations Commission.

Collective Agreements

86.

Reference of collective agreements to [Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission].

87.

Mediation, decisions and appeals relating to collective agreements.

Decisions and Determinations Generally

88.

Form and content of decisions and determinations.

89.

Supply and publication of decisions and determinations.

90.

Appeals and references from the Labour Court.

Enforcement by Circuit Court

91.

Enforcement of determinations, decisions and mediated settlements.

92.

Additional powers of Circuit Court on enforcement. (Repealed)

93.

Compensation in lieu of re-instatement or re-engagement.

Information

94.

Powers to enter premises, obtain information, etc.

95.

Requirements on persons to provide information.

96.

Sanctions for failure or refusal to supply documents, information, etc.

97.

Supplementary provisions as to information.

Offences

98.

Penalty for dismissal of employee for exercising rights.

99.

Obstruction etc. of [Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] and other officers.

99A.

Award of expenses.

100.

Offences: general provisions.

Supplementary

101.

Alternative avenues of redress.

101A.

Parallel claims.

102.

Striking out cases which are not pursued.

103.

Provisions relating to insolvency.

104.

Special provision as to Defence Forces.

105.

Amendment of Industrial Relations Act, 1990.

106.

Transitional provision.


Acts Referred to

Adoptive Leave Act, 1995

1995, No. 2

Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1946

1946, No. 23

Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974

1974, No. 15

Bankruptcy Act, 1988

1988, No. 27

Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956

1956, No. 45

Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956

1956, No. 46

Civil Service Regulation Acts, 1956 to 1996

Companies Act, 1963

1963, No. 33

Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993

1993, No. 8

Courts Act, 1981

1981, No. 11

Defence Act, 1954

1954, No. 18

Employment Agency Act, 1971

1971, No. 27

Employment Equality Act, 1977

1977, No. 16

European Parliament Elections Act, 1997

1997, No. 2

Finance Act, 1987

1987, No. 10

Health Act, 1970

1970, No. 1

Industrial Relations Act, 1946

1946, No. 26

Industrial Relations Act, 1969

1969, No. 14

Industrial Relations Act, 1990

1990, No. 19

Interpretation Act, 1937

1937, No. 38

Interpretation Acts, 1937 to 1997

Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993

1993, No. 29

Local Government Act, 1941

1941, No. 23

Maternity Protection Act, 1994

1994, No. 34

Merchant Shipping Act, 1947

1947, No. 46

Merchant Shipping (Certification of Seamen) Act, 1979

1979, No. 37

Pensions Act, 1990

1990, No. 25

Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851

14 & 15 Vict., c. 9

Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act, 1984

1984, No. 21

Redundancy Payments Act, 1967

1967, No. 21

Solicitors Act, 1954

1954, No. 36

Trade Union Act, 1941

1941, No. 22

Transport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1971

1971, No. 14

Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977 to 1993


Number 21 of 1998


EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY ACT 1998

REVISED

Updated to 2 September 2024


AN ACT TO MAKE FURTHER PROVISION FOR THE PROMOTION OF EQUALITY BETWEEN EMPLOYED PERSONS; TO MAKE FURTHER PROVISION WITH RESPECT TO DISCRIMINATION IN, AND IN CONNECTION WITH, EMPLOYMENT, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP OF CERTAIN BODIES; TO MAKE FURTHER PROVISION IN CONNECTION WITH COUNCIL DIRECTIVE NO. 75/117/EEC ON THE APPROXIMATION OF THE LAWS OF THE MEMBER STATES RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL PAY FOR MEN AND WOMEN AND COUNCIL DIRECTIVE NO. 76/207/EEC ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL TREATMENT FOR MEN AND WOMEN AS REGARDS ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND PROMOTION, AND WORKING CONDITIONS; TO MAKE FURTHER PROVISION WITH RESPECT TO HARASSMENT IN EMPLOYMENT AND IN THE WORKPLACE; TO CHANGE THE NAME AND CONSTITUTION OF THE EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY AGENCY AND PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION BY THAT BODY OF VARIOUS MATTERS PERTAINING TO THIS ACT; TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR THE INVESTIGATION AND REMEDYING OF VARIOUS MATTERS ARISING UNDER THIS ACT; TO REPEAL THE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION (PAY) ACT, 1974, AND THE EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY ACT, 1977, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS. [18th June, 1998]

BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS AS FOLLOWS:

Annotations

Modifications (not altering text):

C1

Functions transferred and references construed (14.10.2020) by Disability, Equality, Human Rights, Integration and Reception (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 436 of 2020), arts. 2, 3(1)(a), (3) and sch., in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 4-8.

Note change of name of Department and title of Minister to Department of and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth made (15.10.2020) by Children and Youth Affairs (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 437 of 2020), in effect as per art. 1(2).

2. (1) The administration and business in connection with the exercise, performance or execution of any functions transferred by Article 3 are transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

(2) References to the Department of Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act and relating to any administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) of this Article shall, on and after the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

3. (1) The functions vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality -

(a) by or under the enactments specified in Schedule 1, and

...

are transferred to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

...

(3) References to the Minister for Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act, and relating to any functions transferred by this Article shall, on and after the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

SCHEDULE 1

Article 3(1)(a)

Enactments, functions by or under which are transferred from the Minister for Justice and Equality to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

...

Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2015, other than section 27(2) and section 37(4) (inserted by Part 2 of the Equality Act 2004 (No. 24 of 2004)) of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (No. 21 of 1998)

...

C2

Mediation services under collectively cited Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011 excluded from application of Freedom of Information Act 2014 by Freedom of Information Act 2014 (30/2014), s. 6(2) and sch. 1 part 1 para. (k); as substituted (1.10.2015) by National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015 (22/2015), s. 19(1), commenced by S.I. No. 410 of 2015 as per subs. (2).

Public bodies

6. — ...

(2) (a) An entity specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 (“the parent entity”) shall, subject to the provisions of that Part, be a public body for the purposes of this Act.

...

SCHEDULE 1

Section 6

Part 1

Partially Included Agencies

Section 6 does not include a reference to—

...

[(k) the Workplace Relations Commission—

(i) insofar as it relates to records concerning the provision of mediation services under the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011, the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2012 or the Pensions Acts 1990 to 2014, where parties to the process are participating in a voluntary capacity to try to settle such disputes, or

(ii) insofar as it relates to records concerning—

(I) the referral of a complaint or dispute for resolution under section 39 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015,

(II) attempts made in accordance with that section to resolve any such complaint or dispute, or

(III) the resolution of any such complaint or dispute in accordance with that section.]

C3

Functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9.

2. (1) The administration and business in connection with the performance of any functions transferred by this Order are transferred to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

(2) References to the Department of Finance contained in any Act or instrument made thereunder and relating to the administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) shall, on and after the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

3. The functions conferred on the Minister for Finance by or under the provisions of —

(a) the enactments specified in Schedule 1, and

(b) the statutory instruments specified in Schedule 2,

are transferred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

...

5. References to the Minister for Finance contained in any Act or instrument under an Act and relating to any functions transferred by this Order shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

...

Schedule 1

Enactments

...

Part 2

1922 to 2011 Enactments

Number and Year

Short Title

Provision

(1)

(2)

(3)

...

...

...

No. 21 of 1998

Employment Equality Act 1998

Sections 42(1) and (2), 44(2) and (4), 46(2), 48(3) and (4), 51, 55(1), 59(4) and 75(1), (2) and (4A)

...

...

...

C4

Application of Act restricted (3.07.2010) by Merchant Shipping Act 2010 (14/2010), s. 87(10), commenced on enactment.

Maritime Labour Convention 2006.

87.—...

(10) In relation to discrimination on the age or disability ground nothing in the Employment Equality Act 1998 renders unlawful any act done in compliance with this section or any regulation made under this section.

C5

Power to make regulations for purposes of Act provided (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 41(2), S.I. No. 351 of 2000.

Regulations.

41.— ...

(2) The Minister may by regulations specify, in cases where provision is not otherwise made in that behalf by regulations under this Act or the Employment Equality Act, 1998 —

(a) procedures to be followed by the Director or, as the case may be, the Labour Court, in carrying out functions under this Act or the Employment Equality Act, 1998, and

(b) time limits applicable to the carrying out of such functions, including procedures for extending those limits in certain circumstances.

...

C6

Application of Act restricted in certain circumstances by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81H(7) as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004.

Redress which may be ordered.

81H.— ...

(7) Where an act constitutes victimisation both under this Part and the Employment Equality Act 1998 or the Equal Status Act 2000, redress may be provided under only one of them.

Editorial Notes:

E1

Act included in definitions of “employment enactment” and “relevant enactment” (1.08.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 2 and sch. 1 part 1 item 15, S.I. No. 338 of 2015, with the following effects:

• Authorised officers or inspectors under employment enactments deemed to be appointed under Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 26(2) and subject to termination under s. 26(4).

• Powers of inspectors for purposes of relevant enactments defined in Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 27.

• Workplace Relations Commission, an inspector or an adjudication officer authorised to disclose employer’s registered number or employee’s PPSN to enable Labour Court to perform functions under relevant enactments by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015) s. 31(5).

• Power of Workplace Relations Commission and official body to disclose information to each other concerning the commission of offence under relevant enactment provided by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 32.

• Power of Workplace Relations Commission and contracting authority to disclose information to each other concerning the commission of offence under employment enactment/ relevant enactment provided by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 33.

• Powers of Minister to prosecute under relevant enactments transferred to Workplace Relations Commission and references construed by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 37.

• Functions of EAT to hear claims under employment enactments transferred to Workplace Relations Commission and references to EAT construed by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015) s. 66(1), (2), not commenced as of date of revision.

E2

Obligation imposed on Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to provide information to the public and keep under review the effectiveness of the working of collectively cited Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011 (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 30(1)(b)(i), S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

E3

Claims under Act excluded from delegation (15.04.2014) by National Treasury Management Agency (Delegation of Claims Management Functions) Order 2014 (S.I. No. 182 of 2014), art. 4(c).

E4

Approved code of practice for purposes of Act declared (31.05.2012) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Code of Practice) (Harassment) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 208 of 2012), art. 2 and sch.

E5

Previous affecting provision: functions transferred and “Minister for Justice and Equality” and “Department of Justice and Equality” construed (1.01.2013) by Equality Tribunal (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 531 of 2012), arts. 2, 3(1)(a), 3(2), commenced as per art. 1(2); superseded as per C-note above.

E6

Previous affecting provisions: certain functions in relation to Act transferred from Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to Department of Justice and Law Reform and term “Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs” construed (1.04.2011) by Equality, Integration, Disability and Human Rights (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 139 of 2011), arts. 2 and 3, subject to transitional provisions; superseded as per E-note above.

E7

Previous affecting provision: approved code of practice for purposes of Act declared (8.03.2002) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Code of Practice) (Harassment) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 78 of 2002), art. 2 and sch.; revoked (31.05.2012) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Code of Practice) (Harassment) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 208 of 2012), art. 3.

E8

Previous affecting provision: certain functions in relation to Act transferred from Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs (1.06.2010) by Equality, Integration, Disability and Human Rights (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 217 of 2010); re-transferred as per C-note above.

PART I

Preliminary and General

Section 1

Short title and commencement.

1

1.(1) This Act may be cited as the Employment Equality Act, 1998.

(2) Except in so far as any provision of this Act provides expressly for the coming into operation of any such provision, this Act shall come into operation on such day as may be fixed by order made by the Minister, and different days may be so fixed for different provisions and for different purposes.

Annotations

Editorial Notes:

E9

Power pursuant to section exercised (18.10.1999) by Employment Equality Act, 1998 (Commencement) Order 1999 (S.I. No. 320 of 1999).

2. The 18th day of October, 1999, is hereby fixed as the day on which the Employment Equality Act, 1998, shall come into operation.

Section 2

Interpretation.

2

2.(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

act” includes a deliberate omission;

advertisementF1[includes every form of statement to the public and every form of advertisement, whether to the public or not] and whether in a newspaper or other publication, on television or radio or by display of a notice or by any other means, and references to the publishing of advertisements shall be construed accordingly;

agency worker” means an employee whose contract of employment is as mentioned in paragraph (b) of the definition of such a contract in this subsection;

associated employer” shall be construed in accordance with subsection (2);

the Authority” means the Equality Authority;

F2["civil status" means being single, married, separated, divorced, widowed, in a civil partnership within the meaning of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 or being a former civil partner in a civil partnership that has ended by death or been dissolved;]

F3["collective agreement" means an agreement between an employer and a body or bodies representative of the employees to which the agreement relates;]

F4["contract of employment" means, subject to subsection (3)

(a) a contract of service or apprenticeship, or

(b) any other contract whereby

(i) an individual agrees with another person personally to execute any work or service for that person, or

(ii) an individual agrees with a person carrying on the business of an employment agency within the meaning of the Employment Agency Act 1971 to do or perform personally any work or service for another person (whether or not the other person is a party to the contract),

whether the contract is express or implied and, if express, whether oral or written;]

F4["the F5[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission]" means the F5[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission];]

disability” means—

(a) the total or partial absence of a person’s bodily or mental functions, including the absence of a part of a person’s body,

(b) the presence in the body of organisms causing, or likely to cause, chronic disease or illness,

(c) the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of a person’s body,

(d) a condition or malfunction which results in a person learning differently from a person without the condition or malfunction, or

(e) a condition, illness or disease which affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgement or which results in disturbed behaviour,

and shall be taken to include a disability which exists at present, or which previously existed but no longer exists, or which may exist in the future or which is imputed to a person;

F4[F6["discrimination" includes the issue of an instruction to discriminate and, in Part V and VI, includes prohibited conduct within the meaning of the Equal Status Act 2000, and cognate words shall be construed accordingly; ]]

the discriminatory grounds” has the meaning given by section 6(2);

dismissal” includes the termination of a contract of employment by the employee (whether prior notice of termination was or was not given to the employer) in circumstances in which, because of the conduct of the employer, the employee was or would have been entitled to terminate the contract without giving such notice, or it was or would have been reasonable for the employee to do so, and “dismissed” shall be construed accordingly;

F4["employee", subject to subsection (3), means a person who has entered into or works under (or, where the employment has ceased, entered into or worked under) a contract of employment and, where the context admits, includes a member or former member of a regulatory body, but, so far as regards access to employment, does not include a person employed in another persons home for the provision of personal services for persons residing in that home where the services affect the private or family life of those persons;]

employer”, subject to subsection (3), means, in relation to an employee, the person with whom the employee has entered into or for whom the employee works under (or, where the employment has ceased, entered into or worked under) a contract of employment;

employment agency” (when not defined by reference to the Employment Agency Act, 1971) means a person who, whether for profit or otherwise, provides services related to the finding of employment for prospective employees or the supplying of employees to employers;

equality clause” means a gender equality clause, as defined in section 21 or a non-discriminatory equality clause, as defined in section 30;

equal remuneration term” means such a term of a contract as is specified in section 19(1), 20(1) or 29(1);

family status” means responsibility—

(a) as a parent or as a person in loco parentis in relation to a person who has not attained the age of 18 years, or

(b) as a parent or the resident primary carer in relation to a person of or over that age with a disability which is of such a nature as to give rise to the need for care or support on a continuing, regular or frequent basis,

and, for the purposes of paragraph (b), a primary carer is a resident primary carer in relation to a person with a disability if the primary carer resides with the person with the disability;

functions”, in relation to the Authority, includes powers and duties;

like work” shall be construed in accordance with section 7;

F7[]

member of the family”, in relation to any person, means—

(a) that person’s spouse F8[or civil partner within the meaning of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010], or

(b) a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of that person or that person’s spouse F8[or civil partner within the meaning of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010];

the Minister” means the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform;

pension rights” means a pension or any other benefits flowing from an occupational pension scheme;

F4["proceedings" means

(a) proceedings before the person, body or court dealing with a request or reference under this Act by or on behalf of a person, and

(b) any subsequent proceedings, including proceedings on appeal, arising from the request or reference,

but does not include proceedings for an offence under this Act;]

F3["personal services", in relation to such services provided in a persons home, includes but is not limited to services that are in the nature of services in loco parentis or involve caring for those residing in the home;]

F3["persons", in sections 19, 22, 29 and 31 does not import the singular;]

provider of agency work” shall be construed in accordance with subsection (5);

F3["provision" means a term in a contract of employment or a requirement, criterion, practice, regime, policy or condition relating to employment;]

regulatory body” means a body which falls within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 13;

F9[]

religious belief” includes religious background or outlook;

remuneration”, in relation to an employee, does not include pension rights but, subject to that, includes any consideration, whether in cash or in kind, which the employee receives, directly or indirectly, from the employer in respect of the employment;

sexual orientation” means heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual orientation;

trade union” means a trade union which is the holder of a negotiation licence under Part II of the Trade Union Act, 1941;

F10["Traveller community" means the community of people commonly so called who are identified (both by themselves and others) as people with a shared history, culture and traditions including, historically, a nomadic way of life on the island of Ireland;]

vocational training” shall be construed in accordance with F4[section 12(2);] F11[and cognate words or expressions shall be construed accordingly.]

(2) For the purposes of this Act, two employers shall be taken to be associated if one is a body corporate of which the other (whether directly or indirectly) has control or if both are bodies corporate of which a third person (whether directly or indirectly) has control.

(3) For the purposes of this Act—

(a) a person holding office under, or in the service of, the State (including a member of the Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces) or otherwise as a civil servant, within the meaning of the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956, shall be deemed to be an employee employed by the State or Government, as the case may be, under a contract of service,

(b) an officer or servant of a local authority for the purposes of the Local Government Act, 1941, a harbour authority, a health board or a F12[member of staff of an education and training board] shall be deemed to be an employee employed by the authority F12[or board], as the case may be, under a contract of service, F9[]

(c) in relation to an agency worker, the person who is liable for the pay of the agency worker shall be deemed to be the employer.

F11[(d) in the case of a contract mentioned in paragraph (b)(i) of the definition of "contract of employment"

(i) references in this Act to an employee shall be construed as references to the party to the contract who agrees personally to execute the work or service concerned and references to an employer as references to the person for whom it is to be executed,

(ii) any comparisons to be made for any of those purposes shall be between persons personally executing work or service for the same person or an associated person under such a contract or contracts, and

(iii) in particular, and without prejudice to the generaality of the foregoing, references in sections 19(4)(a) and 22(1)(a) to employees shall be construed as references to those persons.]

(4) In this Act a reference to “conditions of employment” does not include remuneration or pension rights.

(5) A person who, under a contract with an employment agency, within the meaning of the Employment Agency Act, 1971, obtains the services of one or more agency workers but is not their employer for the purposes of this Act is in this Act referred to, in relation to the agency workers, as the “provider of agency work”.

(6) In this Act a reference to a Part or section is to a Part or section of this Act, unless it is indicated that reference to some other enactment is intended.

(7) In this Act a reference to a subsection or paragraph is to the subsection or paragraph of the provision in which the reference occurs, unless it is indicated that reference to some other provision is intended.

(8) In this Act a reference to an enactment includes a reference to that enactment as amended by or under any other enactment, including this Act.

Annotations

Amendments:

F1

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 3, S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

F2

Inserted (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(2)(a), S.I. No. 648 of 2010.

F3

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 3(a)(iii), commenced on enactment.

F4

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 3(a)(i) and (ii), commenced on enactment.

F5

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F6

Substituted (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 19, commenced on enactment.

F7

Deleted (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(2)(b), S.I. No. 648 of 2010.

F8

Inserted (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(2)(c), S.I. No. 648 of 2010.

F9

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 3(a)(iv) and (b)(i), commenced on enactment.

F10

Inserted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (a), S.I. No. 351 of 2000.

F11

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 3(a)(ii) and (b)(iii), commenced on enactment.

F12

Substituted (17.07.2013) by Education and Training Boards Act 2013 (11/2013), s. 72 and sch. 6 item 25, S.I. No. 211 of 2013 .

Modifications (not altering text):

C7

Functions transferred and references construed (14.10.2020) by Disability, Equality, Human Rights, Integration and Reception (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 436 of 2020), arts. 2, 3(1)(a), (3) and sch., in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 4-8.

Note change of name of Department and title of Minister to Department of and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth made (15.10.2020) by Children and Youth Affairs (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 437 of 2020), in effect as per art. 1(2).

2. (1) The administration and business in connection with the exercise, performance or execution of any functions transferred by Article 3 are transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

(2) References to the Department of Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act and relating to any administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) of this Article shall, on and after the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

3. (1) The functions vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality -

(a) by or under the enactments specified in Schedule 1, and

...

are transferred to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

...

(3) References to the Minister for Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act, and relating to any functions transferred by this Article shall, on and after the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

SCHEDULE 1

Article 3(1)(a)

Enactments, functions by or under which are transferred from the Minister for Justice and Equality to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

...

Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2015, other than section 27(2) and section 37(4) (inserted by Part 2 of the Equality Act 2004 (No. 24 of 2004)) of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (No. 21 of 1998)

...

C8

References to “Equality Authority” construed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 44(2), S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Transfer of functions to Commission

44.— ...

(2) References in any enactment or instrument under an enactment to the Human Rights Commission or the Equality Authority, as the case may be (howsoever described) shall be construed as references to the Commission save where other provision is made as respects the construction of the first-mentioned references by any enactment passed before the passing of this Act.

...

Editorial Notes:

E10

Previous affecting provision: definition of “discrimination” inserted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (a)(i), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; substituted as per F-note above.

Section 3

Orders and regulations.

3

3.(1) Any power under this Act to make an order, other than under section 1(2), includes power to amend or revoke an order made in the exercise of that power.

(2) Where an order is proposed to be made under this Act, other than an order under section 1(2) or subsection (3) or (5) of section 56, a draft of the order shall be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, and the order shall not be made until a resolution approving the draft has been passed by each such House.

(3) The Minister may make regulations for the purpose of giving effect to this Act.

(4) Every regulation made under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either such House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.

(5) Any order or regulation made under this Act may contain such consequential, supplementary and ancillary provisions as the Minister considers necessary or expedient.

Annotations

Editorial Notes:

E11

Power pursuant to subs. (1) exercised (18.10.1999) by Employment Equality Act, 1998 (Section 76 - Right To Information) Regulations 1999 (S.I. No. 321 of 1999).

Section 4

Expenses.

4

4.Any expenses incurred in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.

Section 5

Repeals and consequential amendments.

5

5.(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974, and the Employment Equality Act, 1977, are hereby repealed.

(2) F13[]

(3) In subsection (2) of section 4 (which relates to the deputy chairman of the Labour Court) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1969, to substitute “, this Act and the Employment Equality Act, 1998” for “and this Act”.

Annotations

Amendments:

F13

Deleted (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 20, commenced on enactment.

PART II

Discrimination: General Provisions

Introductory

Section 6

Discrimination for the purposes of this Act.

6

6.F14[(1) For the purposes of this Act and without prejudice to its provisions relating to discrimination occurring in particular circumstances discrimination shall be taken to occur where

(a) a person is treated less favourably than another person is, has been or would be treated in a comparable situation on any of the grounds specified in subsection (2) (in this Act referred to as the "discriminatory grounds") which

(i) exists,

(ii) existed but no longer exists,

(iii) may exist in the future, or

(iv) is imputed to the person concerned,

(b) a person who is associated with another person

(i) is treated, by virtue of that association, less favourably than a person who is not so associated is, has been or would be treated in a comparable situation, and

(ii) similar treatment of that other person on any of the discriminatory grounds would, by virtue of paragraph (a), constitute discrimination.]

(2) As between any 2 persons, the discriminatory grounds (and the descriptions of those grounds for the purposes of this Act) are—

(a) that one is a woman and the other is a man (in this Act referred to as “the gender ground”),

(b) that they are of different F15[civil status] (in this Act referred to as “the F15[civil status] ground”),

(c) that one has family status and the other does not (in this Act referred to as “the family status ground”),

(d) that they are of different sexual orientation (in this Act referred to as “the sexual orientation ground”),

(e) that one has a different religious belief from the other, or that one has a religious belief and the other has not (in this Act referred to as “the religion ground”),

(f) that they are of different ages, but subject to subsection (3) (in this Act referred to as “the age ground”),

(g) that one is a person with a disability and the other either is not or is a person with a different disability (in this Act referred to as “the disability ground”),

(h) that they are of different race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins (in this Act referred to as “the ground of race”),

(i) that one is a member of the F16[Traveller] community and the other is not (in this Act referred to as “the F16[Traveller] community ground”).

F17[(2A) Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1) and (2), discrimination on the gender ground shall be taken to occur where, on a ground related to her pregnancy or maternity leave, a woman employee is treated, contrary to any statutory requirement, less favourably than another employee is, has been or would be treated.]

F14[(3)  (a) The age ground applies only in relation to persons above the maximum age at which a person is statutorily obliged to attend school.

(b)  Notwithstanding subsection (1) and section 37(2), an employer may set a minimum age, not exceeding 18 years, for recruitment to a post.

F18[(c) Offering a fixed term contract to a person over the compulsory retirement age for that employment or to a particular class or description of employees in that employment shall not be taken as constituting discrimination on the age ground if

(i) it is objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim, and

(ii) the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.]

(d)  Subsection (1)(b) of section 2 (exclusions) of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 is amended by deleting "or who on that date was a person to whom by reason of his age the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 1973, did not apply" and inserting "or who on that date had not attained the age of 16 years".]

Annotations

Amendments:

F14

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 4(a) and (c), commenced on enactment.

F15

Substituted (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(3), S.I. No. 648 of 2010.

F16

Substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (b), S.I. No. 351 of 2000.

F17

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 4(b), commenced on enactment.

F18

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 4, S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

Section 7

Like work.

7

7.(1) Subject to subsection (2), for the purposes of this Act, in relation to the work which one person is employed to do, another person shall be regarded as employed to do like work if—

(a) both perform the same work under the same or similar conditions, or each is interchangeable with the other in relation to the work,

(b) the work performed by one is of a similar nature to that performed by the other and any differences between the work performed or the conditions under which it is performed by each either are of small importance in relation to the work as a whole or occur with such irregularity as not to be significant to the work as a whole, or

(c) the work performed by one is equal in value to the work performed by the other, having regard to such matters as skill, physical or mental requirements, responsibility and working conditions.

(2) In relation to the work which an agency worker is employed to do, no person except another agency worker may be regarded under subsection (1) as employed to do like work (and, accordingly, in relation to the work which a non-agency worker is employed to do, an agency worker may not be regarded as employed to do like work).

(3) In any case where—

(a) the remuneration received by one person (“the primary worker”) is less than the remuneration received by another (“the comparator”), and

(b) the work performed by the primary worker is greater in value than the work performed by the comparator, having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(c),

then, for the purposes of subsection (1)(c), the work performed by the primary worker shall be regarded as equal in value to the work performed by the comparator.

Annotations

Modifications (not altering text):

C9

Application of section restricted (5.12.2011) by Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 (13/2012), s. 9, commenced as per s. 1(2).

Restriction of certain enactments.

9.The following provisions shall, in so far only as they are inconsistent with this Act, not apply to an agency worker to whom this Act applies:

(a) sections 7 and 8 of the Employment Equality Act 1998; and

...

Discrimination in Specific Areas

Section 8

Discrimination by employers etc.

8

8.(1) In relation to—

(a) access to employment,

(b) conditions of employment,

(c) training or experience for or in relation to employment,

(d) promotion or re-grading, or

(e) classification of posts,

an employer shall not discriminate against an employee or prospective employee and a provider of agency work shall not discriminate against an agency worker.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, neither an employer nor a provider of agency work shall be taken to discriminate against an agency worker unless (on one of the discriminatory grounds) that agency worker is treated less favourably than another agency worker is, has been or would be treated.

(3) In subsections (4) to (8), references to an employee include references to an agency worker and, in relation to such a worker, references to the employer include references to the provider of agency work.

(4) A person who is an employer shall not, in relation to employees or employment—

(a) have rules or instructions which would result in discrimination against an employee or class of employees in relation to any of the matters specified in paragraphs (b) to (e) of subsection (1), or

(b) otherwise apply or operate a practice which results or would be likely to result in any such discrimination.

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), an employer shall be taken to discriminate against an employee or prospective employee in relation to access to employment if the employer discriminates against the employee or prospective employee—

(a) in any arrangements the employer makes for the purpose of deciding to whom employment should be F19[offered,]

(b) by specifying, in respect of one person or class of persons, entry requirements for employment which are not specified in respect of other persons or classes of persons, where the circumstances in which both such persons or classes would be employed are not F19[materially different, or]

F20[(c) by publishing or displaying, or causing to be published or displayed, an advertisement which contravenes section 10(1) in so far as such advertisement relates to access to employment.]

(6) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), an employer shall be taken to discriminate against an employee or prospective employee in relation to conditions of employment if, on any of the discriminatory grounds, the employer does not offer or afford to that employee or prospective employee or to a class of persons of whom he or she is one—

(a) the same terms of employment (other than remuneration and pension rights),

(b) the same working conditions, and

(c) the same treatment in relation to overtime, shift work, short time, transfers, lay-offs, redundancies, dismissals and disciplinary measures,

as the employer offers or affords to another person or class of persons, where the circumstances in which both such persons or classes are or would be employed are not materially different.

(7) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), an employer shall be taken to discriminate against an employee in relation to training or experience for, or in relation to, employment if, on any of the discriminatory grounds, the employer refuses to offer or afford to that employee the same opportunities or facilities for employment counselling, training (whether on or off the job) and work experience as the employer offers or affords to other employees, where the circumstances in which that employee and those other employees are employed are not materially different.

(8) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), an employer shall be taken to discriminate against an employee in relation to promotion if, on any of the discriminatory grounds—

(a) the employer refuses or deliberately omits to offer or afford the employee access to opportunities for promotion in circumstances in which another eligible and qualified person is offered or afforded such access, or

(b) the employer does not in those circumstances offer or afford the employee access in the same way to those opportunities.

Annotations

Amendments:

F19

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 5(a) and (b), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

F20

Inserted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 5(c), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

Modifications (not altering text):

C10

Application of section restricted (5.12.2011) by Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 (13/2012), s. 9, commenced as per s. 1(2).

Restriction of certain enactments.

9.The following provisions shall, in so far only as they are inconsistent with this Act, not apply to an agency worker to whom this Act applies:

(a) sections 7 and 8 of the Employment Equality Act 1998; and

...

Editorial Notes:

E12

Power granted to Irish Human Rights and Equality Authority to serve an equality and human rights compliance notice on persons who have contravened or are contravening subs. (4) (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 36(1)(b), S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 9

Provisions in certain agreements and orders.

9

9.(1) In a case where—

(a) an agreement or order to which this section applies contains a provision in which differences in rates of remuneration are based on any of the discriminatory grounds, and

(b) in relation to a person to whom the agreement or order relates, that provision conflicts with an equal remuneration term in that person’s contract of employment,

then, subject to subsection (4), that provision shall be null and void.

(2) If an agreement or order to which this section applies contains a provision which does not fall within subsection (1) but which gives rise to discrimination in relation to any of the matters in paragraphs (a) to (e) of section 8(1) then, subject to subsection (4), that provision shall be null and void.

(3) This section applies to the following agreements and orders, whether made before or after the coming into operation of this section:

(a) collective agreements;

(b) employment regulation orders, within the meaning of Part IV of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946; and

(c) registered employment agreements, within the meaning of Part III of that Act.

(4) In the case of a provision which—

(a) is contained in an agreement or order made before the coming into operation of this section, and

(b) is discriminatory on a ground other than the gender ground,

subsection (1) or, as the case may be, subsection (2) shall not apply until the first anniversary of the date on which this section comes into operation; and, accordingly, until that date, the equal remuneration term or equality clause in a person’s contract of employment shall not override any such provision of an agreement or order which relates to that person.

Section 10

Advertising.

10

10.(1) A person shall not publish or display, or cause to be published or displayed, an advertisement which relates to employment and which—

(a) indicates an intention to discriminate, or

(b) might reasonably be understood as indicating such an intention.

F21[(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), where in an advertisement a word or phrase is used defining or describing a post and the word or phrase is one which

(a) connotes or refers to an individual of one sex or an individual having a characteristic mentioned in any of the discriminatory grounds (other than the gender ground), or

(b) is descriptive of, or refers to, a post or occupation of a kind previously held or carried on only by the members of one sex or individuals having such a characteristic,

then, unless the advertisement indicates a contrary intention, the advertisement shall be taken as indicating an intention to discriminate on whichever discriminatory ground is relevant in the circumstances.]

(3) Nothing in this section relates to an advertisement which, or to the extent to which it, specifies a requirement, restriction or other matter which relates to employment and which it would not be unlawful for the employer in question to impose, having regard to any other provision of this Part or of Part III or Part IV.

(4) A person who, with a view to securing publication or display of an advertisement in contravention of subsection (1), makes a statement knowing it to be false shall, upon such publication or display, be guilty of an offence.

(5) Without prejudice to subsection (4), if an advertisement is published or displayed and it appears to the High Court or the Circuit Court, on the motion of the Authority, that there are grounds for believing that publication or display of the advertisement may be in contravention of subsection (1), the court may grant an injunction preventing the appointment of any person to any post to which the advertisement relates until—

(a) the decision of the F22[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] on a contemporaneous reference under section 85 of the publication or display of the advertisement, or

(b) the court otherwise orders,

and, for the purpose of this subsection, a reference under section 85 shall be regarded as contemporaneous with a motion if it is made on the same day as the motion or not more than 14 days earlier or later.

(6) The jurisdiction conferred on the Circuit Court by subsection (5) shall be exercised by the judge for the time being assigned to the circuit where the person by whom the advertisement was published or displayed (or caused to be published or displayed) ordinarily resides or carries on any profession, business or occupation.

Annotations

Amendments:

F21

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 5, commenced on enactment.

F22

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Editorial Notes:

E13

Power granted to Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to serve an equality and human rights compliance notice on persons who have contravened or are contravening subs. (1) (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 36(1)(b), S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 11

Employment agencies.

11

11.(1) Without prejudice to its obligations as an employer, an employment agency shall not discriminate against any person—

(a) who seeks the services of the agency to obtain employment with another person, or

(b) who seeks from the agency guidance as to a career or any other service (including training) related to the employment of that person.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the extent that the employment in question is such that an employer could lawfully refuse to offer it to the person concerned.

(3) An employment agency shall not be under any liability under this section if it proves—

(a) that it acted in reliance on a statement made to it by the employer concerned to the effect that, by reason of the operation of subsection (2), its action would not be unlawful, and

(b) that it was reasonable for it to rely on the statement.

(4) An employer who, with a view to obtaining the services of an employment agency, knowingly makes such a statement as is referred to in subsection (3) (a) which is false or misleading in a material respect shall be guilty of an offence.

(5) Nothing in this Act shall make it unlawful for an employment agency to provide services exclusively for persons with disabilities or any class or description of such persons.

Annotations

Modifications (not altering text):

C11

Application of section restricted (17.07.2014) by Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (26/2005), s. 359B(4), as inserted by Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014 (16/2014), s. 18(2), commenced on enactment.

[Discrimination on grounds of age in relation to employment schemes and other schemes and programmes

359B.

...

(4) Section 11 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 shall not apply in relation to the performance by the Minister of his or her functions under this section.]

Section 12

Vocational training.

12

12.(1) Subject to subsection (7) any person, including an educational or training body, who offers a course of vocational training shall not, in respect of any such course offered to persons over the maximum age at which those persons are statutorily obliged to attend school, discriminate against a person (whether at the request of an employer, a trade union or a group of employers or trade unions or otherwise)—

(a) in the terms on which any such course or related facility is offered,

(b) by refusing or omitting to afford access to any such course or F23[facility,]

(c) in the manner in which any such course or facility is F23[provided, or]

F24[(d) by publishing or displaying, or causing to be published or displayed, an advertisement in contravention of section 10(1) in respect of any such course offered.]

(2) In this section “vocational training” means any system of instruction which enables a person being instructed to acquire, maintain, bring up to date or perfect the knowledge or technical capacity required for the carrying on of an occupational activity and which may be considered as exclusively concerned with training for such an activity.

(3) F25[]

(4) For the purposes of ensuring the availability of nurses to hospitals and teachers to primary schools which are under the direction or control of a body established for religious purposes or whose objectives include the provision of services in an environment which promotes certain religious values, and in order to maintain the religious ethos of the hospitals or primary schools, the prohibition of discrimination in subsection (1), in so far as it relates to discrimination on the religion ground, shall not apply in respect of—

(a) the nomination of persons for admission to the School of Nursing pursuant to clause 24(4)(a) or (c) of the Adelaide Hospital Charter as substituted by paragraph 5(s) of the Health Act, 1970 (Section 76) (Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, incorporating the National Children’s Hospital) Order, 1996, or

(b) places in a vocational training course specified in an order made under subsection (5).

(5) Where an educational or training body applies to the Minister for Health and Children, in the case of hospitals, or to the Minister for Education and Science, in the case of primary schools, for an order permitting the body concerned to reserve places in a vocational training course offered by the body, the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Education and Science, as the case may be, may, with the consent of the Minister, by order allow the body to reserve places in such numbers as seem reasonably necessary to the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Education and Science, as the case may be, to meet the purposes set out in subsection (4).

(6) Without prejudice to section 3(1), an order under subsection (5) may be revoked by a further order made by the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Education and Science, as the case may be, with the like consent; but any such revocation order shall contain transitional provisions safeguarding any person who took advantage of the effect of the order when it was in force.

(7) F26[Without prejudice to section 3 of the Refugee Act, 1996, nothing in subsection (1)] shall make unlawful discrimination on the age ground or the ground of race in respect of any course of vocational training offered by F26[an educational] or training body where—

(a) it provides different treatment in relation to—

F27[(i) the fees for admission or attendance at any such course by persons who are citizens of Ireland, nationals of another Member State, nationals of the Swiss Confederation or nationals of a member state of the European Economic Area and persons who are not, or]

(ii) the allocation of places on any such course to those citizens or nationals, or

(b) it offers assistance to particular categories of persons by way of sponsorships, scholarships, bursaries or other awards, which assistance is reasonably justifiable, having regard to traditional or historical F26[considerations, or]

F28[(c) in the case of a university or other third-level institution, it provides different treatment in the allocation of places on any such course to mature students (within the meaning of the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992).]

F29[(8) In this section, "member state of the European Economic Area" means a state that is a contracting party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area signed at Oporto on 2 May 1992, as adjusted by all subsequent amendments to that Agreement.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F23

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 6(a)(i) and (ii), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

F24

Inserted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 6(a)(iii), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

F25

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 6, commenced on enactment.

F26

Substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (c)(i), S.I. No. 351 of 2000.

F27

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 6(b), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

F28

Inserted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (c)(iii), S.I. No. 351 of 2000.

F29

Inserted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 6(c), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

Editorial Notes:

E14

Power pursuant to section exercised (9.08.2023) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 12) (Reservation of Vocational Training Places) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 405 of 2023).

E15

Power pursuant to section exercised (18.07.2018) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 12) (Reservation of Vocational Training Places) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 260 of 2018).

E16

Refugee Act 1996, referred to in subs. (7), was repealed (31.12.2016) by International Protection Act 2015 (66/2015), s. 6(1), S.I. No. 663 of 2016, subject to transitional provisions in ss. 68, 69.

E17

Power pursuant to section exercised (17.07.2013) by Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011 (section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 288 of 2013).

E18

Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act 1968, referred to in subs. (7)(c), was repealed (27.06.2011) by Student Support Act 2011 (4/2011), s. 6(1) and sch. 1, S.I. No. 303 of 2011, subject to transitional provisions in subss. (2), (3).

E19

Previous affecting provision: power pursuant to section exercised (2.07.2008) by Employment Equality Act, 1998 (Section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 251 of 2008); expired at end of academic year 2012/2013.

E20

Previous affecting provision: power pursuant to section exercised (15.07.2003) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2003 (S.I. No. 319 of 2003); expired at end of academic year 2007/2008.

E21

Previous affecting provision: power pursuant to section exercised (30.06.2000) by Employment Equality Act, 1998 (Section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2000 (S.I. No. 216 of 2000); expired at end of academic year 2002/2003.

Section 13

Membership of certain bodies.

13

13.F30[(1)]A body which—

(a) is an organisation of workers or of employers,

(b) is a professional or trade organisation, or

(c) controls entry to, or the carrying on of, a profession, vocation or occupation,

shall not discriminate against a person in relation to membership of that body or any benefits, other than pension rights, provided by it or in relation to entry to, or the carrying on of, that profession, vocation or occupation.

F30[(2) A body referred to in subsection (1) shall not discriminate against a person by publishing or displaying, or causing to be published or displayed, an advertisement in contravention of section 10(1) in so far as the advertisement relates to

(a) membership of that body or any benefits, other than pension rights, provided by it, or

(b) entry to, or the carrying on of, a profession, vocation or occupation controlled by that body.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F30

Section designated as subs. (1) and subs. (2) inserted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 7(a) and (b), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

Section 13A

F31[Partnerships.

13A

13A.(1) This Act applies to a partner in a partnership as it applies to an employee and accordingly has effect with the modification that

(a) references to an employee include references to such a partner, and

(b) references to an employer include references to a partnership,

and with any other necessary modifications.

(2) In subsection (1) references to a partner shall be construed, in the case of a limited partnership, as references to a general partner, as defined in section 3 of the Limited Partnerships Act 1907.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F31

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 7, commenced on enactment.

Section 14

Procuring etc. discrimination or victimisation.

14

14.A person who procures or attempts to procure another person to do anything which—

(a) constitutes discrimination which is unlawful under this Act, or

(b) constitutes victimisation for the purposes of Part VII,

shall be guilty of an offence.

Section 14A

F32[Harassment and sexual harassment.

14A

14A.(1) For the purposes of this Act, where

(a) an employee (in this section referred to as "the victim") is harassed or sexually harassed either at a place where the employee is employed (in this section referred to as "the workplace") or otherwise in the course of his or her employment by a person who is

(i) employed at that place or by the same employer,

(ii) the victims employer, or

(iii) a client, customer or other business contact of the victims employer and the circumstances of the harassment are such that the employer ought reasonably to have taken steps to prevent it,

or

(b) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a)

(i) such harassment has occurred, and

(ii) either

(I) the victim is treated differently in the workplace or otherwise in the course of his or her employment by reason of rejecting or accepting the harassment, or

(II) it could reasonably be anticipated that he or she would be so treated,

the harassment or sexual harassment constitutes discrimination by the victims employer in relation to the victims conditions of employment.

(2) If harassment or sexual harassment of the victim by a person other than his or her employer would, but for this subsection, be regarded as discrimination by the employer under subsection (1), it is a defence for the employer to prove that the employer took such steps as are reasonably practicable

(a) in a case where subsection (1)(a) applies (whether or not subsection (1)(b) also applies), to prevent the person from harassing or sexually harassing the victim or any class of persons which includes the victim, and

(b) in a case where subsection (1)(b) applies, to prevent the victim from being treated differently in the workplace or otherwise in the course of the victims employment and, if and so far as any such treatment has occurred, to reverse its effects.

(3) A persons rejection of, or submission to, harassment or sexual harassment may not be used by an employer as a basis for a decision affecting that person.

(4) The reference in subsection (1)(a)(iii) to a client, customer or other business contact of the victims employer includes a reference to any other person with whom the employer might reasonably expect the victim to come into contact in the workplace or otherwise in the course of his or her employment.

(5) In this section "employee" includes an individual who is

(a) seeking or using any service provided by an employment agency, and

(b) participating in any course or facility referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 12(1),

and accordingly any reference to the individuals employer includes a reference to the employment agency providing the service or, as the case may be, the person offering or providing the course or facility.

(6) Where subsection (5) applies in relation to a victim, subsection (1) shall have effect as if for in relation to the victims conditions of employment there were substituted contrary to section 11 or, as the case may be, section 12.

(7) (a) In this section

(i) references to harassment are to any form of unwanted conduct related to any of the discriminatory grounds, and

(ii) references to sexual harassment are to any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature,

being conduct which in either case has the purpose or effect of violating a persons dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the person.

(b) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a), such unwanted conduct may consist of acts, requests, spoken words, gestures or the production, display or circulation of written words, pictures or other material.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F32

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 8, commenced on enactment.

Vicarious Liability etc.

Section 15

Liability of employers and principals.

15

15.(1) Anything done by a person in the course of his or her employment shall, in any proceedings brought under this Act, be treated for the purposes of this Act as done also by that person’s employer, whether or not it was done with the employer’s knowledge or approval.

(2) Anything done by a person as agent for another person, with the authority (whether express or implied and whether precedent or subsequent) of that other person shall, in any proceedings brought under this Act, be treated for the purposes of this Act as done also by that other person.

(3) In proceedings brought under this Act against an employer in respect of an act alleged to have been done by an employee of the employer, it shall be a defence for the employer to prove that the employer took such steps as were reasonably practicable to prevent the employee—

(a) from doing that act, or

(b) from doing in the course of his or her employment acts of that description.

Obligations of Employers etc.

Section 16

Nature and extent of employer’s obligations in certain cases.

16

16.(1) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as requiring any person to recruit or promote an individual to a position, to retain an individual in a position, or to provide training or experience to an individual in relation to a position, if the individual—

(a) will not undertake (or, as the case may be, continue to undertake) the duties attached to that position or will not accept (or, as the case may be, continue to accept) the conditions under which those duties are, or may be required to be, performed, or

(b) is not (or, as the case may be, is no longer) fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the duties attached to that position, having regard to the conditions under which those duties are, or may be required to be, performed.

(2) In relation to—

(a) the provision by an employment agency of services or guidance to an individual in relation to employment in a position,

(b) the offer to an individual of a course of vocational training or any related facility directed towards employment in a position, and

(c) the admission of an individual to membership of a regulatory body or into a profession, vocation or occupation controlled by a regulatory body,

subsection (1) shall apply, with any necessary modification, as it applies to the recruitment of an individual to a position.

F33[(3) (a) For the purposes of this Act a person who has a disability is fully competent to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, any duties if the person would be so fully competent and capable on reasonable accommodation (in this subsection referred to as appropriate measures) being provided by the persons employer.

(b) The employer shall take appropriate measures, where needed in a particular case, to enable a person who has a disability

(i) to have access to employment,

(ii) to participate or advance in employment, or

(iii) to undergo training,

unless the measures would impose a disproportionate burden on the employer.

(c) In determining whether the measures would impose such a burden account shall be taken, in particular, of

(i) the financial and other costs entailed,

(ii) the scale and financial resources of the employers business, and

(iii) the possibility of obtaining public funding or other assistance.]

(4) In subsection (3)

F34[appropriate measures, in relation to a person with a disability

(a) means effective and practical measures, where needed in a particular case, to adapt the employers place of business to the disability concerned,

(b) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a), includes the adaptation of premises and equipment, patterns of working time, distribution of tasks or the provision of training or integration resources, but

(c) does not include any treatment, facility or thing that the person might ordinarily or reasonably provide for himself or herself;]

employer” includes an employment agency, a person offering a course of vocational training as mentioned in section 12(1) and a regulatory body; and accordingly references to a person who has a disability include—

(a) such a person who is seeking or using any service provided by the employment agency,

(b) such a person who is participating in any such course or facility as is referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 12(1), and

(c) such a person who is a member of or is seeking membership of the regulatory F33[body. ]

F35[]

(5) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as requiring an employer to recruit, retain in employment or promote an individual if the employer is aware, on the basis of a criminal conviction of the individual or other reliable information, that the individual engages, or has a propensity to engage, in any form of sexual behaviour which is unlawful.

(6) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (5), that subsection applies in particular where the employment concerned involves access to minors or to other persons who are vulnerable.

Annotations

Amendments:

F33

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 9(a) and (b), commenced on enactment.

F34

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 9(b), commenced on enactment.

F35

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 9(b), commenced on enactment.

Section 17

Compliance with statutory requirements etc.

17

17.(1) In relation to discrimination on the F36[civil status] ground, nothing in this Act shall render unlawful any act done in compliance with any provision of the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, or the Adoptive Leave Act, 1995.

F37[(2) In relation to discrimination on the basis of nationality, nothing in this Act shall render unlawful any action taken in accordance with the F38[Employment Permits Act 2024].]

(3) In relation to discrimination on the age ground or the disability ground, nothing in this Act shall render unlawful any act done in compliance with any provision made by or under—

(a) sections 5, 9, 11 and 16 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1946,

(b) section 12 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1947,

(c) section 29 of the Transport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1971,

(d) sections 3 and 8 of the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Seamen) Act, 1979, or

(e) sections 5, 14, 58 and 60 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993.

F39[(4) In relation to discrimination on the age ground, nothing in this Act shall render unlawful any act done in compliance with

(a) the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996, or

(b) the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F36

Substituted (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(3), S.I. No. 648 of 2010.

F37

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 10(a), commenced on enactment.

F38

Substituted (2.09.2024) by Employment Permits Act 2024 (30/2024), s.76, S.I. No. 433 of 2024.

F39

Substituted (8.05.2007) by Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007 (27/2007), s. 27(2), commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C12

Numbering of section clarified (18.07.2004) by Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007 (27/2007), s. 27(1), in effect retrospectively to commencement of Equality Act 2004, commenced on enactment.

27.— (1) The amendment of section 17 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 made by paragraph (b) of section 10 of the Equality Act 2004 is deemed to have had effect from the commencement of that paragraph as if “inserting the following subsection after subsection (3)” had appeared instead of “substituting the following subsection for subsection (4)”.

Editorial Notes:

E22

Power granted to Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to review enactments specified in subss. (1) to (4) where it is of the opinion that the working or effect of any of these enactments is likely to affect or impede the elimination of discrimination in relation to employment or the promotion of equality of opportunity in relation to employment between men and women, or between persons who differ in terms of any of the other discriminatory grounds (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 30(4), S.I. No. 499 of 2014.

E23

Previous affecting provision: subs. (4) substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 10(b), commenced on enactment.

E24

Previous affecting provision: subs. (4) repealed (25.05.2003) by Redundancy Payments Act 2003 (14/2003), s. 16, S.I. No. 194 of 2003.

PART III

Specific Provisions as to Equality Between Women and Men

Introductory

Section 18

Application of equality principles to both men and women.

18

18.F40[(1) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), for the purposes of this Part "A" and "B" represent 2 persons of opposite sex so that, where A is a woman, B is a man, and vice versa.

(b) For the purposes of this Part (except sections 19 and 20), where the treatment of a woman on a ground related to her pregnancy or maternity leave is, by virtue of section 6(2A), in issue, "B" is either a man or a woman.]

(2) Subject to subsection (1), nothing in this Act affects the operation of the Interpretation Acts, 1937 to 1997, in so far as they provide that, unless the contrary intention appears—

(a) words importing the masculine gender shall be construed as importing also the feminine gender, and

(b) words importing the feminine gender shall be construed as also importing the masculine gender.

Annotations

Amendments:

F40

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 11, commenced on enactment.

Remuneration

Section 19

Entitlement to equal remuneration.

19

19.(1) It shall be a term of the contract under which A is employed that, subject to this Act, A shall at any time be entitled to the same rate of remuneration for the work which A is employed to do as B who, at that or any other relevant time, is employed to do like work by the same or an associated employer.

F41[(2) In this section "relevant time", in relation to a particular time, is any time (including a time before the commencement of this section) during the 3 years which precede, or the 3 years which follow, the particular time.]

(3) For the purposes of this Part, where B’s employer is an associated employer of A’s employer, A and B shall not be regarded as employed to do like work unless they both have the same or reasonably comparable terms and conditions of employment.

F42[(4) (a) Indirect discrimination occurs where an F43[apparently neutral provision would put] persons of a particular gender (being As or Bs) at a particular disadvantage in respect of remuneration compared with other employees of their employer.

 (b) Where paragraph (a) applies, the persons referred to in that paragraph shall each be treated for the purposes of subsection (1) as complying or, as the case may be, not complying with the provision concerned, whichever results in the higher remuneration, unless the provision is objectively justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving the aim are appropriate and necessary.

 (c) In any proceedings statistics are admissible for the purpose of determining whether this subsection applies in relation to A or B.]

(5) Subject to subsection (4), nothing in this Part shall prevent an employer from paying, on grounds other than the gender ground, different rates of remuneration to different employees.

Annotations

Amendments:

F41

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 12(a), commenced on enactment.

F42

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 12(b), commenced on enactment.

F43

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 8, S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

Editorial Notes:

E25

Previous affecting provision: subs. (4)(d) substituted (18.07.2001) by European Communities (Burden of Proof in Gender Discrimination Cases) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 337 of 2001), reg. 4(a); superseded as per F-note above.

Section 20

Implied term as to equal remuneration.

20

20.(1) Where a person is employed under a contract which does not include (expressly or by reference to a collective agreement or otherwise) a term satisfying subsection (1) of section 19, the contract shall be taken to include a term giving effect to that subsection; and, if such an implied term conflicts with an express term, it shall override the express term.

(2) In this section “employed” has the same meaning as in section 19.

Section 20A

F44[Gender pay gap information

20A

20A.(1) The Minister shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the commencement of section 2 of the Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 and in accordance with this section, make regulations requiring—

(a) employers to publish information relating to the remuneration of their employees for the purpose of showing whether there are differences in such remuneration referable to gender and, if so, the size of such differences,

(b) that information referred to in paragraph (a) include the following:

(i) the difference between the mean hourly remuneration of employees of the male gender and that of employees of the female gender expressed as a percentage;

(ii) the difference between the median hourly remuneration of employees of the male gender and that of employees of the female gender expressed as a percentage;

(iii) the difference between the mean bonus remuneration of employees of the male gender and that of employees of the female gender expressed as a percentage;

(iv) the difference between the median bonus remuneration of employees of the male gender and that of employees of the female gender expressed as a percentage;

(v) the difference between the mean hourly remuneration of part-time employees of the male gender and that of part-time employees of the female gender expressed as a percentage;

(vi) the difference between the median hourly remuneration of part-time employees of the male gender and that of part-time employees of the female gender expressed as a percentage;

(vii) the percentage of all employees of the male gender who were paid bonus remuneration and the percentage of all employees of the female gender who were paid such remuneration;

(viii) the percentage of all employees of the male gender who received benefits in kind and the percentage of all employees of the female gender who received such benefits,

and

(c) employers to publish, concurrently with the publication of information referred to in this section that shows differences relating to remuneration that are referable to gender, a statement setting out—

(i) in the employer’s opinion, the reasons for such differences in that employer’s case, and

(ii) the measures (if any) being taken, or proposed to be taken, by the employer to eliminate or reduce such differences in that employer’s case.

(2) In making regulations under this section, the Minister shall have regard to the estimated costs of complying with, and enforcing, such regulations.

(3) (a) Regulations made under this section shall not apply to an employer having fewer than 50 employees.

(b) Subject to paragraph (d), regulations made under this section shall not apply to an employer having fewer than 250 employeesuntil the 2nd anniversary of the making of the first regulations under this section.

(c) Subject to paragraph (d), regulations made under this section shall not apply to an employer having fewer than 150 employees until the 3rd anniversary of the making of the first regulations under this section.

(d) When regulations made under this section apply to an employer referred to in paragraph (b) or (c), the regulations shall continue to apply to the employer except during such times (if any) as the employer falls within paragraph (a).

(4) Regulations made under this section may prescribe any, or any combination of, the following:

(a) the classes of employer to which the regulations apply (whether by reference to the number of employees that an employer has or otherwise);

(b) the classes of employee to which the regulations apply;

(c) the classes of remuneration to which the regulations apply;

(d) how the number of employees that an employer has is to be calculated;

(e) how the remuneration or classes of remuneration of employees is to be calculated.

(5) Regulations made under this section may prescribe the form and manner in which, and the frequency (which shall not be more frequent than once in each year) with which, information is to be published under the regulations in order to bring such information to the attention of—

(a) the employees to whom the information relates, and

(b) the public.

(6) (a) Regulations made under this section may require the employer to publish information in respect of a public body.

(b) In this subsection—

"Act of 1998" means the Education Act 1998;

"Act of 2014" means the Companies Act 2014;

"board" has the same meaning as it has in the Act of 1998;

"company" means a company formed and registered under the Act of 2014 or an existing company within the meaning of that Act;

"education and training board" means an education and training board established under section 9 of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013;

"enactment" has the same meaning it has in the Interpretation Act 2005;

"information" includes data;

"public body" means—

(a) a Department of State,

(b) the Attorney General,

(c) the Comptroller and Auditor General,

(d) the Revenue Commissioners,

(e) the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland,

(f) the Commissioner of Valuation,

(g) the Garda Síochána,

(h) the Defence Forces,

(i) a local authority for the purposes of the Local Government Act 2001,

(j) the Health Service Executive, (k) an education and training board,

(l) a recognised school established and maintained by an education and training board,

(m) a board of a recognised school established and maintained by an education and training board,

(n) a body established—

(i) by or under an enactment (other than the Act of 2014 or a former enactment relating to companies within the meaning of section 5 of that Act), or

(ii) under the Act of 2014 (or a former enactment relating to companies within the meaning of section 5 of that Act) in pursuance of powers conferred by or under another enactment, and financed wholly or partly by means of moneys provided, or loans made or guaranteed, by a Minister of the Government or the issue of shares held by or on behalf of a Minister of the Government,

in respect of which a public service pension scheme exists or applies or may be made,

(o) a body that is wholly or partly funded directly or indirectly out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas or from the Central Fund or the growing produce of that Fund and in respect of which a public service pension scheme exists or applies or may be made, or

(p) any subsidiary of, or company controlled (within the meaning given by section 10 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ) by, a body to which paragraph (i), (j), (k), (n) or (o) relates and in respect of which a public service pension scheme exists or applies or may be made;

"public service pension scheme" has the same meaning as it has in Part 4 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017;

"recognised school" has the same meaning as it has in the Act of 1998.

(7) (a) Paragraph (b) applies where an employer does not have access to information which the employer requires in order to comply with regulations made under this section but another person (in this section referred to as the "other person") does have access to such information.

(b) Regulations made under this section may require the other person to give the information, or give access to the information, to the employer to the extent necessary to enable the employer to comply with such regulations.

(8) (a) Paragraph (b) applies to the personal data of employees included, or to be included, in information referred to in this section.

(b) Regulations made under this section may prescribe, in addition to any relevant measures or steps that an employer or the other person is required to take in respect of personal data, measures or steps to be taken by—

(i) the employer to ensure that personal data have undergone pseudonymisation before or when they are published, or

(ii) the other person to ensure that personal data have undergone pseudonymisation before or when the other person gives the data, or gives access to the data, to an employer.

(c) In this subsection—

"Data Protection Regulation" means Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 1 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation);

"personal data" has the meaning assigned to it by Article 4 of the Data Protection Regulation;

"pseudonymisation" has the meaning assigned to it by Article 4 of the Data Protection Regulation;

"relevant measures or steps"—

(a) in relation to an employer and personal data, means the measures or steps that the employer is required to take in respect of the data—

(i) pursuant to a provision of the Data Protection Regulation, or

(ii) by or under the Data Protection Act 2018, or

(b) in relation to the other person and personal data, means the measures or steps that the other person is required to take in respect of the data—

(i) pursuant to a provision of the Data Protection Regulation, or

(ii) by or under the Data Protection Act 2018.

(9) Regulations made under this section may require the employer to publish information—

(a) in respect of any of the following:

(i) the difference between the mean hourly remuneration of employees of the male gender on temporary contracts and that of employees of the female gender on such contracts expressed as a percentage;

(ii) the difference between the median hourly remuneration of employees of the male gender on temporary contracts and that of employees of the female gender on such contracts expressed as a percentage;

(iii) the respective percentages of all employees who fall within each of—

(I) the lower remuneration quartile pay band,

(II) the lower middle remuneration quartile pay band,

(III) the upper middle remuneration quartile pay band, or

(IV) the upper remuneration quartile pay band, who are of the male gender and who are of the female gender,

or

(b) by reference to job classifications.

(10) In making regulations under this section, the Minister shall have regard to the principle that employees and the public need to have access to any information which shows whether there are differences relating to the remuneration of employees by reference to the gender of such employees and, if there are such differences, the reasons for such differences and the measures being taken, or proposed to be taken, to eliminate or reduce such differences.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F44

Inserted (31.05.2022) by Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 (20/2021), s. 2, S.I. No. 263 of 2022.

Editorial Notes:

E26

Power pursuant to section exercised (31.05.2024) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 20A) (Gender Pay Gap Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 259 of 2024), in effect as per reg. 1(2).

E27

Power pursuant to section exercised (31.05.2022) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 20A) (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 264 of 2022), in effect as per reg. 1(2).

E28

The section heading is taken from the amending section in the absence of one included in the amendment.

Other Matters

Section 21

Equality clause relating to gender issues.

21

21.(1) If and so far as the terms of a contract of employment do not include (expressly or by reference to a collective agreement or otherwise) a gender equality clause, they shall be taken to include one.

(2) A gender equality clause is a provision relating to the terms of a contract of employment, other than a term relating to remuneration or pension rights, which has the effect that if—

(a) A is employed in circumstances where the work done by A is not materially different from that done by B in the same employment, and

(b) at any time A’s contract of employment would (but for the gender equality clause)—

(i) contain a term which is or becomes less favourable to A than a term of a similar kind in B’s contract of employment, or

(ii) not include a term corresponding to a term in B’s contract of employment which benefits B,

then the terms of A’s contract of employment shall be treated as modified so that the term in question is not less favourable to A or, as the case may be, so that they include a similar term benefiting A.

(3) A gender equality clause shall not operate in relation to a difference between A’s contract of employment and B’s contract of employment if the employer proves that the difference is genuinely based on grounds other than the gender ground.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of section 8(1), where a person offers A employment on certain terms and, were A to accept the offer on those terms, the gender equality clause in A’s contract of employment would have the effect of modifying the terms in either of the ways specified in subsection (2), the making of the offer shall be taken to amount to discrimination against A on the gender ground in relation to A’s conditions of employment.

Section 22

Indirect discrimination on the gender ground.

22

22.F45[(1) (a) Indirect discrimination occurs where an F46[apparently neutral provision would put] persons of a particular gender (being As or Bs) at a particular disadvantage in respect of any matter other than remuneration compared with other employees of their employer.

 (b) Where paragraph (a) applies, the employer shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as discriminating against each of the persons referred to (including A or B), unless the provision is objectively justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.

(1A) In any proceedings statistics are admissible for the purpose of determining whether subsection (1) applies in relation to A or B.]

(2) Subsection (1) shall apply to the provision of any such services as are referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 11(1) subject to the following modifications:

(a) for the words “any of the matters specified in paragraphs (a) to (e) of section 8(1)” there shall be substituted the words “a person seeking any such services or guidance as are referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 11(1)”;

(b) the reference to the employer shall be construed as a reference to the employment agency; and

(c) the reference to section 8 shall be construed as a reference to section 11.

(3) Subsection (1) shall apply to participation in any such course or facility as is referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 12(1) subject to the following modifications:

(a) the reference to paragraphs (a) to (e) of section 8(1) shall be construed as a reference to paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 12(1);

(b) the reference to the employer shall be construed as a reference to the person offering the course or facility; and

(c) the reference to section 8 shall be construed as a reference to section 12.

(4) F47[]

(5) Subsection (3) of section 8 applies for the purposes of subsection (1) as it applies for the purposes of subsections (4) to (8) of that section.

Annotations

Amendments:

F45

Substituted and inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 13(a), commenced on enactment.

F46

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 9, S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

F47

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 13(b), commenced on enactment.

Editorial Notes:

E29

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1)(c) substituted (18.07.2001) by European Communities (Burden of Proof in Gender Discrimination Cases) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 337 of 2001), reg. 4(b); superseded as per F-note above.

Section 23

Sexual harassment in the workplace etc.

23

23.F48[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F48

Repealed (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 14, commenced on enactment.

Section 24

Positive action on equal opportunities.

24

24.F49[(1) This Act is without prejudice to any measures

(a) maintained or adopted with a view to ensuring full equality in practice between men and women in their employments, and

(b) providing for specific advantages so as

(i) to make it easier for an under-represented sex to pursue a vocational activity, or

(ii) to prevent or compensate for disadvantages in professional careers.]

(2) In the Defence Act, 1954, in section 289(2) (the Army Nursing Service limited to women) for the word “women” there shall be inserted “persons”.

Annotations

Amendments:

F49

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (23/2004), s. 15, commenced on enactment.

Section 25

Exclusion of discrimination in certain employments.

25

F50[25.(1) A difference of treatment which is based on a characteristic related to the gender ground in respect of access to employment in a particular post shall not constitute discrimination under this Part or Part II where, by reason of the particular occupational activities concerned or of the context in which they are carried out

(a) the characteristic constitutes a genuine and determining occupational requirement for the post, and

(b) the objective is legitimate and the requirement proportionate.

(2) In subsection (1) the reference to employment includes a reference to any training leading to it.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F50

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 16, commenced on enactment.

Section 26

Exceptions relating to family and personal matters.

26

26.(1) Nothing in this Act shall make it unlawful for an employer to arrange for or provide treatment which confers benefits on women in connection with pregnancy and maternity (including breast feeding) or adoption.

(2) F51[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F51

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 17, commenced on enactment.

Section 27

Garda Síochána and prison service.

27

27.(1) With regard to employment in the Garda Síochána or the prison service F52[and without prejudice to section 25], nothing in this Act—

(a) applies to the assignment of a man or, as the case may require, a woman to a particular post where this is essential—

(i) in the interests of privacy or decency,

(ii) in order to guard, escort or control violent individuals or quell riots or violent disturbances, or

(iii) in order, within the Garda Síochána, to disarm or arrest violent individuals, to control or disperse violent crowds or to effect the rescue of hostages or other persons held unlawfully, or

(b) prevents the application of one criterion as to height for men and another for women, if the criteria chosen are such that the proportion of women in the State likely to meet the criterion for women is approximately the same as the proportion of men in the State likely to meet the criterion for men.

(2) (a) If—

(i) in the opinion of the Minister there are insufficient numbers of either men or women serving in the Garda Síochána to be assigned to such posts as are for the time being referred to in subsection (1)(a), and

(ii) the Minister by order under this subsection so provides,

this Act shall not apply to such competitions for recruitment to the Garda Síochána as may be specified in the order.

(b) If—

(i) in the opinion of the Minister there are insufficient numbers of either men or women serving in the prison service to be assigned to such posts as are for the time being referred to in subsection (1)(a), and

(ii) the Minister by order under this subsection so provides,

this Act shall not apply to such competitions for recruitment to the prison service as may be specified in the order.

Annotations

Amendments:

F52

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 18, commenced on enactment.

PART IV

Specific Provisions as to Equality Between Other Categories of Persons

Section 28

The comparators.

28

28.(1) For the purpose of this Part, “C” and “D” represent 2 persons who differ as follows:

(a) in relation to the F53[civil status] ground, C and D have different F53[civil status];

(b) in relation to the family status ground, C has family status and D does not, or vice versa;

(c) in relation to the sexual orientation ground, C and D are of different sexual orientations;

(d) in relation to the religion ground, C and D have different religious beliefs or C has a religious belief and D does not, or vice versa;

(e) in relation to the age ground, C and D are of different ages;

(f) in relation to the disability ground, C is a person with a disability and D is not, or vice versa, or C and D are persons with different disabilities;

(g) in relation to the ground of race, C and D differ as to race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins or any combination of those factors;

(h) in relation to the F54[Traveller] community ground, C is a member of the F54[Traveller] community and D is not, or vice versa.

(2) In the following provisions of this Part, any reference to C and D which does not apply to a specific discriminatory ground shall be treated as a reference to C and D in the context of each of the discriminatory grounds (other than the gender ground) considered separately.

(3) Any reference in this Act to persons having the same relevant characteristic as C (or as D) shall be construed by reference to the discriminatory ground in relation to which the reference applies or, as the case may be, in relation to each of the discriminatory grounds (other than the gender ground) separately, so that—

(a) in relation to the F53[civil status] ground, the relevant characteristic is having the same F53[civil status] as C (or, as the case may be, as D), and

(b) in relation to the family status ground, the relevant characteristic is having the same, or the same lack of, family status as C (or, as the case may be, as D),

and so on for each of the other discriminatory grounds.

Annotations

Amendments:

F53

Substituted (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(3), S.I. No. 648 of 2010.

F54

Substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (d), S.I. No. 351 of 2000.

Section 29

Entitlement to equal remuneration.

29

29.(1) It shall be a term of the contract under which C is employed that, subject to this Act, C shall at any time be entitled to the same rate of remuneration for the work which C is employed to do as D who, at that or any other relevant time, is employed to do like work by the same or an associated employer.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), in relation to a particular time, a relevant time is any time (on or after the commencement of this section) which falls during the 3 years which precede, or the 3 years which follow, the particular time.

(3) For the purposes of this Part, where D’s employer is an associated employer of C’s employer, C and D shall not be regarded as employed to do like work unless they both have the same or reasonably comparable terms and conditions of employment.

F55[(4) Section 19(4) applies in relation to C and D as it applies in relation to A and B, with the modification that the reference in it to persons of a particular gender (being As or Bs) is a reference to persons (being Cs or Ds) who differ in a respect mentioned in any paragraph of section 28(1) and with any other necessary modifications.]

(5) Subject to subsection (4), nothing in this Part shall prevent an employer from paying, on grounds other than the discriminatory grounds, different rates of remuneration to different employees.

Annotations

Amendments:

F55

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 19, commenced on enactment.

Section 30

Equality clause relating to non-gender issues.

30

30.(1) If and so far as the terms of a contract of employment do not include (expressly or by reference to a collective agreement or otherwise) a non-discriminatory equality clause, they shall be taken to include one.

(2) A non-discriminatory equality clause is a provision relating to the terms of a contract of employment, other than a term relating to remuneration or pension rights, which has the effect that if—

(a) C is employed in circumstances where the work done by C is not materially different from that done by D in the same employment, and

(b) at any time C’s contract of employment would (but for the non-discriminatory equality clause)—

(i) contain a term which is or becomes less favourable to C than a term of a similar kind in D’s contract of employment, or

(ii) not include a term corresponding to a term in D’s contract of employment which benefits D,

then the terms of C’s contract of employment shall be treated as modified so that the term in question is not less favourable to C or, as the case may be, so that they include a similar term benefiting C.

(3) A non-discriminatory equality clause shall not operate in relation to a difference between C’s contract of employment and D’s contract of employment if the employer proves that the difference is genuinely based on grounds which are not among those specified in paragraphs (a) to (h) of section 28(1).

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of section 8(1), where a person offers C employment on certain terms and, were C to accept the offer on those terms, the non-discriminatory equality clause in C’s contract of employment would have the effect of modifying the terms in either of the ways specified in subsection (2), the making of the offer shall be taken to amount to discrimination against C in relation to C’s conditions of employment on whichever of the discriminatory grounds is (or are) relevant to the difference (or differences) between C and D.

Section 31

Indirect discrimination.

31

31.F56[(1) Subsections (1) and (1A) (inserted by section 13 of the Equality Act 2004) of section 22 apply, in relation to C and D as they apply in relation to A and B, with the modification that the reference in subsection (1) to persons of a particular gender (being As or Bs) is a reference to persons (being Cs or Ds) who differ in a respect mentioned in any paragraph of section 28(1) and with any other necessary modifications.]

(2) F57[]

(3) Subsection (1) shall apply with the necessary modifications in relation to—

(a) the provision of any such services of an employment agency as are referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 11(1),

(b) participation in any such course or facility as is referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 12(1).

(4) Subsection (3) of section 8 applies for the purposes of subsection (1) and, in so far as it relates to an employer, subsection (5) as it applies for the purposes of subsections (4) to (8) of that section.

(5) If a provision is such that, apart from this subsection, an employer or regulatory body would be regarded—

(a) by virtue of subsection (1) F58[], as discriminating against an individual on the F59[civil status] ground or the family status ground, and

(b) by virtue of section 22, also as discriminating against the same individual on the gender ground,

the employer or regulatory body shall not be regarded as discriminating against that individual by virtue of subsection (1) F58[].

Annotations

Amendments:

F56

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 20(a), commenced on enactment.

F57

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 20(a), commenced on enactment.

F58

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 20(b), commenced on enactment.

F59

Substituted (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(3), S.I. No. 648 of 2010.

Section 32

Harassment in the workplace etc.

32

32.F60[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F60

Repealed (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 21, commenced on enactment.

Section 33

Positive action permitted.

33

F61[33.Nothing in this Part or Part II shall render unlawful measures maintained or adopted with a view to ensuring full equality in practice between employees, being measures

(a) to prevent or compensate for disadvantages linked to any of the discriminatory grounds (other than the gender ground),

(b) to protect the health or safety at work of persons with a disability, or

(c) to create or maintain facilities for safeguarding or promoting the integration of such persons into the working environment.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F61

Substituted (18.072004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 22, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

Editorial Notes:

E30

Previous affecting provision: word “traveller” in subs. (1)(c) capitalised (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (e), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; superseded as per F-note above.

Section 34

Savings and exceptions related to the family, age or disability.

34

34.(1) In relation to the discriminatory grounds specified in paragraphs (a) to (h) of section 28(1), nothing in this Part or Part II shall make it unlawful for an employer to provide—

(a) a benefit to an employee in respect of events related to members of the employee’s family or any description of those members,

(b) a benefit to or in respect of a person as a member of an employee’s family,

(c) a benefit to an employee on or by reference to an event occasioning a change in the F62[civil status] of the employee, or

(d) to an employee who has family status a benefit intended directly to provide or assist in the provision, during working hours, of care for a person for whom the employee has responsibility as mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of the definition of “family status” in section 2(1).

(2) In subsection (1)employer” includes an employment agency, a person offering a course of vocational training as mentioned in section 12(1) and a regulatory body; and accordingly references to an employee include—

(a) a person seeking or using any service provided by the employment agency,

(b) a person participating in any such course or facility as is referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 12(1), and

(c) a person who is a member of the regulatory body.

F63[(3) In an occupational benefits scheme it shall not constitute discrimination on the age ground for an employer

(a) to fix ages for admission to such a scheme or for entitlement to benefits under it,

(b) to fix different such ages for all employees or a category of employees,

(c) to use, in the context of such a scheme, age criteria in actuarial calculations, or

(d) to provide different rates of severance payment for different employees or groups or categories of employees, being rates based on or taking into account the period between the age of an employee on leaving the employment and his or her compulsory retirement age,

provided that that does not constitute discrimination on the gender ground.]

F64[(3A) In subsection (3)

"occupational benefits scheme" includes any scheme (whether statutory or non-statutory) providing for benefits to employees or any category of employees on their becoming ill, incapacitated or redundant but does not include any occupational pension scheme providing for pensions, gratuities or other allowances payable on retirement or death;

"severance payment" means a sum paid voluntarily by an employer to an employee otherwise than as pay when the employee leaves the employment.]

F65[(4) Without prejudice to subsection (3), it shall not constitute discrimination on the age ground to fix different ages for the retirement (whether voluntarily or compulsorily) of employees or any class or description of employees if

(a) it is objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim, and

(b) the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.]

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), it shall not constitute discrimination on the age ground to set, in relation to any job, a maximum age for recruitment which takes account of—

(a) any cost or period of time involved in training a recruit to a standard at which the recruit will be effective in that job, and

(b) the need for there to be a reasonable period of time prior to retirement age during which the recruit will be effective in that job.

(6) Where immediately before the relevant day, arrangements are in force in any employment for age-related remuneration, it shall be a sufficient compliance with this Part and Part II if those arrangements are brought to an end within the period of 3 years beginning on the relevant day.

(7) It shall not constitute discrimination on the age ground for an employer to provide for different persons—

(a) different rates of remuneration, or

(b) different terms and conditions of employment,

if the difference is based on their relative seniority (or length of service) in a particular post or employment.

F64[(7A) Nothing in this Act invalidates any term in a collective agreement, whenever made, to the effect that in particular circumstances, where length of service would otherwise be regarded as equal, seniority in a particular post or employment may be determined by reference to the relative ages of employees on their entry to that post or employment.]

(8) In this section “the relevant day” means the day appointed for the coming into operation of section 29.

Annotations

Amendments:

F62

Substituted (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(3), S.I. No. 648 of 2010.

F63

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004) s. 23(a), commenced on enactment.

F64

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004) s. 23(a) and (b), commenced on enactment.

F65

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 10, S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

Section 35

Special provisions related to persons with disabilities.

35

35.F66[(1) Nothing in this Part or Part II shall make it unlawful for an employer to provide, for an employee with a disability, a particular rate of remuneration for work of a particular description if, by reason of the disability, the amount of that work done by the employee during a particular period is less than the amount of similar work done, or which could reasonably be expected to be done, during that period by an employee without the disability.]

(2) Nothing in this Part or Part II shall make it unlawful for an employer or any other person to provide, for a person with a disability, special treatment or facilities where the provision of that treatment or those facilities—

(a) enables or assists that person to undertake vocational training, to take part in a selection process or to work, or

(b) provides that person with a training or working environment suited to the disability, or

(c) otherwise assists that person in relation to vocational training or work.

(3) Where, by virtue of subsection (1) or (2), D, as a person with a disability, receives a particular rate of remuneration or, as the case may be, special treatment or facilities, C, as a person without a disability, or with a different disability, shall not be entitled under this Act to that rate of remuneration, that treatment or those facilities.

F67[(4) References in this section to a particular rate of remuneration are to a rate of remuneration which is not below the minimum rate to which the employee concerned is entitled under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F66

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 24(a), commenced on enactment.

F67

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 24(b), commenced on enactment.

Section 36

Imposition of certain requirements to be lawful.

36

36.(1) Nothing in this Part or Part II shall make unlawful the application of any provision (whether in the nature of a requirement, practice or otherwise) such as is mentioned in subsection (2) with respect to—

(a) holding office under, or in the service of, the State (including the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces) or otherwise as a civil servant, within the meaning of the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956, or

(b) officers or servants of a local authority, for the purposes of the Local Government Act, 1941, a harbour authority F68[or a health board or a member of staff of an education and training board].

(2) The provisions referred to in subsection (1) are those relating to all or any of the following:

(a) residence;

(b) citizenship;

(c) proficiency in the Irish language.

(3) Nothing in this Part or Part II shall make unlawful the application of any provision (whether in the nature of a requirement, practice or otherwise) in relation to proficiency in the Irish language with respect to teachers in primary and post-primary schools.

(4) Nothing in this Part or Part II shall make it unlawful to require, in relation to a particular post—

(a) the holding of a specified educational, technical or professional qualification which is a generally accepted qualification in the State for posts of that description, or

(b) the production and evaluation of information about any qualification other than such a specified qualification.

(5) Nothing in this Part or Part II shall make it unlawful for a body controlling the entry to, or carrying on of, a profession, vocation or occupation to require a person carrying on or wishing to enter that profession, vocation or occupation to hold a specified educational, technical or other qualification which is appropriate in the circumstances.

(6) Nothing in this section shall render lawful discrimination on the gender ground.

Annotations

Amendments:

F68

Substituted (1.07.2013) by Education and Training Boards Act 2013 (11/2013), s. 72 and sch. 6 item 25, S.I. No. 211 of 2013.

Section 37

Exclusion of discrimination on particular grounds in certain employments.

37

37.(1) F69[Subject to subsections (1A) and (1B), a religious, educational or medical institution] which is under the direction or control of a body established for religious purposes or whose objectives include the provision of services in an environment which promotes certain religious values shall not be taken to discriminate against a person for the purposes of this Part or Part II if—

(a) it gives more favourable treatment, on the religion ground, to an employee or a prospective employee over that person where it is reasonable to do so in order to maintain the religious ethos of the institution, or

(b) it takes action which is reasonably necessary to prevent an employee or a prospective employee from undermining the religious ethos of the institution.

F70[(1A) Where an educational or medical institution referred to in subsection (1) is maintained, in whole or in part, by monies provided by the Oireachtas more favourable treatment on the religion ground referred to in paragraph (a) of that subsection shall be taken to be discrimination unless

(a) that treatment does not constitute discrimination on any of the other discriminatory grounds, and

(b) by reason of the nature of the institutions activities or the context in which the activities are being carried out, the religion or belief of the employee or prospective employee constitutes a genuine, legitimate and justified occupational requirement having regard to the institutions ethos.]

F70[(1B) Where an educational or medical institution referred to subsection (1) is maintained, in whole or in part, by monies provided by the Oireachtas, action of the type referred to in paragraph (b) of that subsection shall be taken to be discrimination unless by reason of the nature of the employment concerned or the context in which it is carried out

(a) the action is objectively justified by the institutions aim of preventing the undermining of the religious ethos of the institution, and

(b) the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.]

F70[(1C) An action referred to in subsection (1B) shall not be objectively justified in accordance with paragraph (a) of that subsection, or appropriate and necessary in accordance with paragraph (b) of that subsection, unless the action of the institution is

(a) rationally and strictly related to the institutions religious ethos,

(b) a response to conduct of the employee or prospective employee undermining the religious ethos of the institution rather than a response to that employees, or prospective employees, gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community, and

(c) proportionate to the conduct of the employee or prospective employee, as the case may be, having due regard to

(i) any other action the employer may take in the circumstances,

(ii) the consequences of that action for that employee or prospective employee,

(iii) the employees or prospective employees right to privacy, and

(iv) the actual damage caused to the religious ethos of the institution by the conduct of that employee or prospective employee.]

F71[(2) For the purposes of this Part a difference of treatment which is based on a characteristic related to any of the discriminatory grounds (except the gender ground) shall not constitute discrimination where, by reason of the particular occupational activities concerned or of the context in which they are carried out

(a) the characteristic constitutes a genuine and determining occupational requirement, and

(b) the objective is legitimate and the requirement proportionate.

(3) It is an occupational requirement for employment in the Garda Síochána, prison service or any emergency service that persons employed therein are fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the range of functions that they may be called upon to perform so that the operational capacity of the Garda Síochána or the service concerned may be preserved.

(4) If

(a) the Minister is of opinion that the age profile of members of the Garda Síochána, prison service or any emergency service is such that its operational capacity is or is likely to be adversely affected, and

(b) he or she by order so declares,

the age ground shall not apply in relation to such competitions for recruitment to that service as are specified in the order.

(5) In relation to discrimination on the age ground or disability ground, nothing in this Part or Part II applies in relation to employment in the Defence Forces.

(6) In subsection (4)(a) the reference to the Minister, in relation to an emergency service, is a reference to the Minister of the Government with official functions in regard to that service.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F69

Substituted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 11(a), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

F70

Inserted (1.01.2016) by Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), s. 11(a), S.I. No. 610 of 2015.

F71

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 25, commenced on enactment.

PART V

Equality Authority

Annotations

Modifications (not altering text):

C13

Previous affecting povision: potential liability in relation to Part V (ss. 38-67) excluded (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 36(1), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; part repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

General

Section 38

Continuation of Employment Equality Agency as Equality Authority.

38

38.F72[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F72

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 39

Functions of Authority.

39

39.F73[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F73

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E31

Section amended by deletion of paras. (bb) and (c) (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(a), S.I. No. 410 of 2015; section already repealed as per F-note above.

E32

Previous affecting provision: para (bb) inserted (3.12.1998) by Parental Leave Act 1998 (30/1998), s. 25(5), commenced as per s. 1(2); section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 40

Strategic Plans.

40

40.F74[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F74

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 41

Membership.

41

41.F75[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F75

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E33

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1) substituted and subs. (2) deleted (20.07.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 82, S.I. No. 274 of 2008; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 42

Chairperson.

42

42.F76[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F76

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Modifications (not altering text):

C14

Previous affecting provision: functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 43

Disqualification.

43

43.F77[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F77

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 44

Ordinary members.

44

44.F78[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F78

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Modifications (not altering text):

C15

Previous affecting provision: functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9.

Editorial Notes:

E34

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1)(c)(i) amended (1.01.2011) by Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010), s. 102(3), S.I. No. 648 of 2010; section repealed as per F-note above.

E35

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1)(c)(i) amended (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (f), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

E36

Previous affecting provision: subs. (4) substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 26, commenced on enactment; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 45

Chairperson and ordinary members may be re-appointed.

45

45.F79[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F79

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 46

Vice-chairperson.

46

46.F80[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F80

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Modifications (not altering text):

C16

Previous affecting provision: functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 47

Meetings and business.

47

47.F81[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F81

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E37

Previous affecting provision: subs. (4) substituted (20.07.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 83, S.I. No. 274 of 2008; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 48

Advisory committees.

48

48.F82[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F82

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Modifications (not altering text):

C17

Previous affecting provision: functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9; section repealed as per -note above.

Section 49

Chief Executive Officer.

49

49.F83[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F83

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 50

Accountability of Chief Executive Officer.

50

50.F84[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F84

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 51

Staff.

51

51.F85[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F85

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Modifications (not altering text):

C18

Previous affecting provision: functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9; section repealed as per F-note above.

C19

Previous affecting provision: functions of Minister for Finance under subs. (2) transferred to Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (6.07.2011) by Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 (10/2011), s. 9(2) and sch. 2 part 1, S.I. No. 401 of 2011; section repealed as per F-note above.

Editorial Notes:

E38

Previous affecting provision: subs. (3)(b) amended (6.10.2004) by Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 (33/2004), s. 61(1), sch. 2 part 1, commenced on enactment; section repealed as per F-note above.

E39

Previous affecting provision: subs. (3) substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 27, commenced on enactment; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 52

Seal of Authority.

52

52.F86[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F86

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 53

Accounts and audits.

53

53.F87[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F87

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 54

Annual report and provision of information to Minister.

54

54.F88[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F88

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 55

Grants and borrowing powers.

55

55.F89[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F89

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Modifications (not altering text):

C20

Previous affecting provision: functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 56

Codes of practice.

56

56.F90[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F90

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E40

Continuation in force of codes of practice made under section confirmed (1.011.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 31(4)(a), (b), S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

E41

Power pursuant to subss. (3)(a) and (5) exercised (31.05.2012) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Code of Practice) (Harassment) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 208 of 2012).

E42

Previous affecting provision: paras. (1)(a) and (b) substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (g)(i), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

E43

Previous affecting provision: subs. (4) amended (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (g)(ii), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

E44

Previous affecting provision: power pursuant to subs. (3) exercised (8.03.2002) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Code of Practice) (Harassment) Order 2002 (S. I. No. 78 of 2002); revoked (31.05.2013) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Code of Practice) (Harassment) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 208 of 2012), art. 3.

Section 57

Research and information.

57

57.F91[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F91

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 58

Inquiries.

58

58.F92[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F92

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 59

Obtaining information etc. for purposes of inquiry.

59

59.F93[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F93

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Modifications (not altering text):

C21

Previous affecting provision: functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9; repealed as per F-note above.

Editorial Notes:

E45

Previous affecting provision: subs. (3)(b) substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (h), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 60

Offences relating to inquiries etc.

60

60.F94[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F94

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 61

Recommendations arising out of and reports of inquiries.

61

61.F95[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F95

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E46

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1) substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (i), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 62

Non-discrimination notices.

62

62.F96[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F96

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E47

Previous affecting provision: subs. 1(b) substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (j), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 63

Appeal against non-discrimination notice.

63

63.F97[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F97

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E48

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1) substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (k)(i), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

E49

Previous affecting provision: subss. (6) and (7) inserted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (k)(ii), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 64

Register of non-discrimination notices.

64

64.F98[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F98

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 65

Injunctions for failure to comply with non-discrimination notice.

65

65.F99[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F99

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 66

Offence relating to failure to comply with non-discrimination notice.

66

66.F100[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F100

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 67

Assistance by Authority in connection with certain references.

67

67.F101[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F101

Part V (ss. 38 - 67) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E50

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1) substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (l), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

E51

Previous affecting provision: subss. (5)-(8) inserted (18.07.2004) Equality Act 2004 (24/20004), s. 28, commenced on enactment; section repealed as per F-note above.

PART VI

Equality Reviews and Action Plans and Review of Legislation

Section 68

Definition (Part VI).

68

68.F102[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F102

Part VI (ss. 68 - 73) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E52

Previous affecting provision: section amended (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (m), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 69

Equality reviews and action plans.

69

69.F103[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F103

Part VI (ss. 68 - 73) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E53

Previous affecting provision: subss. (1), (2) and (6) amended (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (n)(i), (ii), (iii), (v), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

E54

Previous affecting provision: subs. (2A) inserted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (n)(iv), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

E55

Previous affecting provision: subs. (7) substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (n)(vi), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 70

Enforcement powers in respect of equality reviews and action plans.

70

70.F104[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F104

Part VI (ss. 68 - 73) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E56

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1)(a) amended (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (o), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 71

Appeal against substantive notice.

71

71.F105[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F105

Part VI (ss. 68 - 73) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Editorial Notes:

E57

Previous affecting provision: subs. (1) substituted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (p)(i), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

E58

Previous affecting provision: subss. (6) and (7) inserted (25.10.2000) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 39 and sch. para. (p)(ii), S.I. No. 351 of 2000; section repealed as per F-note above.

Section 72

Enforcement of substantive notices.

72

72.F106[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F106

Part VI (ss. 68 - 73) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Section 73

Review of legislation.

73

73.F107[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F107

Part VI (ss. 68 - 73) repealed (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 7 and sch. 1, S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

PART VII

Other Remedies and Enforcement

Annotations

Modifications (not altering text):

C22

Application of Part VII (ss. 74-105) restricted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46(1) subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).

Cesser of Labour Court jurisdiction to deal with claims for redress.

46.—(1) Subject to subsection (2) and section 83 of the Act of 1998, the Labour Court shall cease to have jurisdiction under Part VII of that Act in cases of dismissal in circumstances amounting to discrimination or victimisation, and accordingly the amendments set out in the Schedule to this Act shall have effect.

...

Editorial Notes:

E59

Power granted to Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to provide legal and other assistance to persons making a reference or application under Part (1.11.2014) by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014), s. 40(1)(c)(iii), S.I. No. 449 of 2014.

Introductory

Section 74

Interpretation (Part VII).

74

74.(1) In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires:

F108["Act of 2015" means the Workplace Relations Act 2015;

"adjudication officer" has the same meaning as it has in the Act of 2015;]

the complainant” has the meaning given by section 77(4);

F109[F110[mediation officer]" and "F110[adjudication officer]" mean officers appointed as such under subsection (4) or (4A) of section 75;]

the Equal Pay Directive” means Council Directive No. 75/117/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women;

the Equal Treatment Directive” means Council Directive No. 76/207/EEC on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions;

F108["mediation officer" has the same meaning as it has in the Act of 2015;]

the respondent” has the meaning given by section 77(4);

victimisation” shall be construed in accordance with subsection (2).

F109[(2) For the purposes of this Part victimisation occurs where dismissal or other adverse treatment of an employee by his or her employer occurs as a reaction to

(a) a complaint of discrimination made by the employee to the employer,

(b) any proceedings by a complainant,

(c) an employee having represented or otherwise supported a complainant,

(d) the work of an employee having been compared with that of another employee for any of the purposes of this Act or any enactment repealed by this Act,

(e) an employee having been a witness in any proceedings under this Act or the Equal Status Act 2000 or any such repealed enactment,

(f) an employee having opposed by lawful means an act which is unlawful under this Act or the said Act of 2000 or which was unlawful under any such repealed enactment, or

(g) an employee having given notice of an intention to take any of the actions mentioned in the preceding paragraphs.

(3) For the purposes of sections 77, 78, 83, 87 and 90 the date on which a case is referred, or an appeal made, under those provisions is the date on which the reference or appeal is received by the F110[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], Labour Court or Circuit Court, as the case may be.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F108

Inserted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(b), S.I. No. 410 of 2015.

F109

Substituted and inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 29(a) and (b), commenced on enactment.

F110

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C23

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Equality Investigations

Section 75

F111[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] and other officers.

75

75.(1) F112[]

(2) F112[]

(2A) F112[]

(3) F112[]

(4) F112[]

F113[(4A) F112[]

(4B) The F111[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] may delegate to an F111[adjudication officer] or an F111[mediation officer] any functions conferred on him or her under this Act F112[].]

(5) The F111[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], F111[mediation officer]s and F111[adjudication officer]s shall be independent in the performance of their functions.

(6) Subject to subsection (7), F114[the delegation of a function under subsection (4B)] shall not affect the continuing power of the F111[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] to exercise that function concurrently with the officer to whom it is delegated.

(7) Where, under F115[subsection (4B)], the F111[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] has delegated to an officer the function of hearing a case referred to the F111[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] F114[under section 77 or 86, or under section 21 of the Equal Status Act 2000]

(a) the delegation shall be taken to include the power to issue a decision in the case,

(b) the function may not be exercised concurrently by the F111[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], and

(c) the delegation may not be revoked or varied except at the request of the officer to whom the function was delegated or if there are exceptional circumstances preventing that officer from acting (or continuing to act).

(8) F112[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F111

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F112

Repealed (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(d), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F113

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 30(b)(i), (c) and (d), commenced on enactment.

F114

Substituted (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 21, commenced on enactment.

F115

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 30(e), commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C24

Functions transferred and “Minister for Justice and Equality” and “Department of Justice and Equality” construed (1.01.2013) by Equality Tribunal (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 531 of 2012), arts. 2, 3(1)(a), 3(2), commenced as per art. 1(2).

2.—(1) The administration and business in connection with the exercise, performance or execution of any functions transferred by Article 3 are transferred to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Department of Justice and Equality contained in any Act or any instrument made under such Act and relating to any administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

3.—(1) The functions vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality by or under—

(a) sections 75, 76, 79, 94 and 100 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (No. 21 of 1998),

...

are transferred to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Minister for Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act and relating to any functions transferred by this Article shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

...

C25

Functions transferred and references to “Department of Finance” and “Minister for Finance” construed (29.07.2011) by Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011), arts. 2, 3, 5 and sch. 1 part 2, in effect as per art. 1(2), subject to transitional provisions in arts. 6-9.

2. (1) The administration and business in connection with the performance of any functions transferred by this Order are transferred to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

(2) References to the Department of Finance contained in any Act or instrument made thereunder and relating to the administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) shall, on and after the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

3. The functions conferred on the Minister for Finance by or under the provisions of —

(a) the enactments specified in Schedule 1, and

(b) the statutory instruments specified in Schedule 2,

are transferred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

...

5. References to the Minister for Finance contained in any Act or instrument under an Act and relating to any functions transferred by this Order shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

...

Schedule 1

Enactments

...

Part 2

1922 to 2011 Enactments

Number and Year

Short Title

Provision

(1)

(2)

(3)

...

...

...

No. 21 of 1998

Employment Equality Act 1998

Sections 42(1) and (2), 44(2) and (4), 46(2), 48(3) and (4), 51, 55(1), 59(4) and 75(1), (2) and (4A)

...

...

...

Editorial Notes:

E60

Existing rights commissioners and equality officers continued as adjudication officers for purposes of this Act (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 40(3), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to exceptions in subss. (4)-(6), and term “rights commissioner” to be construed as adjudication officer (subs. (9)).

E61

Previous affecting provision: subs. (2A) inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 30(b)(i), (c) and (d), commenced on enactment; deleted as per F-note above.

E62

Previous affecting provision: subss. (3), (4) substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 30(d), commenced on enactment; deleted as per F-note above.

E63

Previous affecting provision: subs. (4A) inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 30(b)(i), (c) and (d), commenced on enactment; substituted (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 21, commenced on enactment; deleted as per F-note above.

Redress

Section 76

Right to information.

76

76.(1) With a view to assisting a person (“X”) who considers—

(a) that another person (“Y”) may have discriminated against X in contravention of this Act or may have dismissed or otherwise penalised X in circumstances amounting to victimisation,

(b) that another person (“Y”) who is responsible for providing remuneration to X is not providing that remuneration as required by an equal remuneration term, or

(c) that another person (“Y”) with whom X has a contract of employment has not provided X with a benefit under an equality clause in that contract,

to decide whether to refer the matter under any provision of section 77 and, in the event of such a reference, to formulate and present X’s case in the most effective manner, the Minister may by regulations prescribe forms by which—

(i) X may question Y so as to obtain material information, and

(ii) Y may, if Y so wishes, reply to any questions.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) to (7), information is for the purposes of this section “material information” if it is—

(a) information as to Y’s reasons for doing or omitting to do any relevant act and as to any practices or procedures material to any such act,

(b) information, other than confidential information, about the remuneration or treatment of other persons who stand in relation to Y in the same or a similar position as X, or

F116[(c) other information which is not confidential information or information about the scale or financial resources of the employers business and which, in the circumstances of the case in question, it is reasonable for X to require.]

(3) In subsection (2)confidential information” means any information which relates to a particular individual, which can be identified as so relating and to the disclosure of which that individual does not agree.

(4) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as requiring Y or any other person—

(a) to furnish any reference (or any copy thereof or extract therefrom) or any report (or copy thereof or extract therefrom) relating to the character or the suitability for employment of any person (including X), or

(b) to disclose the contents of such a reference or report.

(5) In a case where a person considers that he or she may have been discriminated against by, or in the course of an interview conducted on behalf of—

F117[(a) the holder of a recruitment licence under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 in the course of a recruitment or selection process, other than one designed to recruit or select only from and for the holders own staff,]

(b) F118[]

(c) the Minister for Defence in the course of a recruitment process for the Defence Forces, or

(d) the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána in the course of a recruitment process for the Garda Síochána,

information shall not be regarded as material information for the purposes of this section if it relates to communications with external advisers to any of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) or if it goes beyond the permitted information specified in subsection (6).

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), in relation to a recruitment or selection process, information is permitted information if it identifies the successful and the unsuccessful candidates—

(a) by reference to their sex, or

(b) in terms of the discriminatory grounds in section 28(1), by reference to those who have the same relevant characteristic as C or the same relevant characteristic as D.

(7) This section is without prejudice to the other provisions of this Act relating to the obtaining of information.

Annotations

Amendments:

F116

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 31, commenced on enactment.

F117

Substituted (6.10.2004) by Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 (33/2004), s. 61(1) and sch. 2 part 1, commenced on enactment.

F118

Deleted (6.10.2004) by Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 (33/2004), s. 61(1) and sch. 2 part 1, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C26

Functions transferred and “Minister for Justice and Equality” and “Department of Justice and Equality” construed (1.01.2013) by Equality Tribunal (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 531 of 2012), arts. 2, 3(1)(a), 3(2), commenced as per art. 1(2).

2.—(1) The administration and business in connection with the exercise, performance or execution of any functions transferred by Article 3 are transferred to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Department of Justice and Equality contained in any Act or any instrument made under such Act and relating to any administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

3.—(1) The functions vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality by or under —

(a) sections 75, 76, 79, 94 and 100 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (No. 21 of 1998),

...

are transferred to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Minister for Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act and relating to any functions transferred by this Article shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

...

C27

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Editorial Notes:

E64

Power pursuant to subs. (1) exercised (18.10.1999) by Employment Equality Act, 1998 (Section 76 - Right To Information) Regulations 1999 (S.I. No. 321 of 1999).

Section 77

The forum for seeking redress.

77

77.F119[(1) A person who claims

(a) to have been discriminated against or subjected to victimisation,

(b) to have been dismissed in circumstances amounting to discrimination or victimisation,

(c) not to be receiving remuneration in accordance with an equal remuneration term, or

(d) not to be receiving a benefit under an equality clause,

in contravention of this Act may, subject to subsections (3) to (9), seek redress by referring the case to the F120[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission].]

(2) F121[]

F119[(3) If the grounds for such a claim arise

(a) under Part III, or

(b) in any other circumstances (including circumstances amounting to victimisation) to which the Equal Pay Directive or Equal Treatment Directive is relevant,

then, subject to subsections (4) to (9), the person making the claim may seek redress by referring the case to the Circuit Court instead of to the F120[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission].]

F122[(4) In this Part, in relation to a claim referred under any provision of this section

(a) "the complainant" means

(i) the person by whom it is referred, or

(ii) where such a person is unable, by reason of an intellectual or a psychological disability, to pursue it effectively, his or her parent, guardian or other person acting in place of a parent, and]

(b) the respondent” means the person who is alleged to have discriminated against the complainant or, as the case may be, who is responsible for providing the remuneration to which the equal remuneration term relates or who is responsible for providing the benefit under the equality clause or who is alleged to be responsible for the victimisation.

F122[(5) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), a claim for redress in respect of discrimination or victimisation may not be referred under this section after the end of the period of 6 months from the date of occurrence of the discrimination or victimisation to which the case relates or, as the case may be, the date of its most recent occurrence.

(b) On application by a complainant the F120[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or Circuit Court, as the case may be, may, for reasonable cause, direct that in relation to the complainant paragraph (a) shall have effect as if for the reference to a period of 6 months there were substituted a reference to such period not exceeding 12 months as is specified in the direction; and, where such a direction is given, this Part shall have effect accordingly.

 (c) This subsection does not apply in relation to a claim not to be receiving remuneration in accordance with an equal remuneration term.

(6) Where a delay by a complainant in referring a case under this section is due to any misrepresentation by the respondent, subsection (5)(a) shall be construed as if the references to the date of occurrence of the discrimination or victimisation were references to the date on which the misrepresentation came to the complainants notice.]

F123[(6A) For the purposes of this section

(a) discrimination or victimisation occurs

(i) if the act constituting it extends over a period, at the end of the period,

(ii) if it arises by virtue of a term in a contract, throughout the duration of the contract, and

(iii) if it arises by virtue of a provision which operates over a period, throughout the period,

(b) a deliberate omission by a person to do something occurs when the person decides not to do it, and

(c) a respondent is presumed, unless the contrary is shown, to decide not to do something when the respondent either

(i) does an act inconsistent with doing it, or

(ii) the period expires during which the respondent might reasonably have been expected to do it.]

F124[(7) Where the complainants claim for redress is in respect of discrimination

(a) by the holder of a recruitment licence under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 in the course of such a recruitment or selection process as is referred to in section 76(5)(a),

(b) by the Minister for Defence in the course of a recruitment process for the Defence Forces, or

(c) by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána in the course of a recruitment process for the Garda Síochána,

the complainant shall in the first instance refer the claim for redress to the holder of the recruitment licence concerned or, as the case may be, to the Minister for Defence or the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána.]

(8) Where subsection (7) applies to a claim for redress in respect of discrimination, the complainant may not refer the case under subsection (1) F121[] or (3) unless—

(a) F124[the holder of the recruitment licence concerned] or, as the case may be, the Minister for Defence or the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána have failed to give a decision on the claim on or before the twenty-eighth day after it was referred, or

(b) the complainant is not satisfied with the decision given on the claim,

and in a case to which paragraph (a) or (b) relates, the end of the period of time which is applicable under subsection (5) (including, where appropriate, applicable under that subsection by reference to subsection (6)) shall be construed as—

(i) the end of that period, or

(ii) the end of the period of 28 days from the expiration of the period referred to in paragraph (a) or the date of the decision referred to in paragraph (b),

whichever last occurs.

F122[(9) Where a claim for redress under this Act (other than on the age or disability ground)

(a) relates to employment in the Defence Forces, and

(b) is made by a member thereof,

the claim shall, in the first instance, be referred for redress under the procedure set out in section 104.]

(10) Where subsection (9) applies to a claim for redress, the complainant shall not refer a case under subsection (1) F121[] or (3) unless—

(a) a period of 12 months has elapsed after the referral under section 104 to which the claim relates and the procedures under section 104(2)(a) have not been requested or have not been completed, or

(b) the complainant is not satisfied with the recommendation given under section 104(2)(b) on the claim,

and in a case to which paragraph (a) or (b) relates, the end of the period of time which is applicable under subsection (5) (including, where appropriate, applicable under that subsection by reference to subsection (6)) shall be construed as—

(i) the end of that period, or

(ii) the end of the period of 28 days from the expiration of the period referred to in paragraph (a) or the date of the recommendation referred to in paragraph (b),

whichever last occurs.

F123[(11) A party to any proceedings under this Act before the F120[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or Labour Court may be represented by any individual or body authorised by the party in that behalf.

(12) F125[(a) Not later than 42 days from the date of a decision of the F120[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] on an application by a complainant for an extension of time under subsection (5), the complainant or respondent may appeal against the decision to the Labour Court on notice to the F120[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] specifying the grounds of the appeal.]

(b) On the appeal the Labour Court may affirm, quash or vary the decision.

(c) Unless otherwise agreed by the complainant and respondent, effect shall not be given to a decision of the F120[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] on such an application until

(i) the period of 42 days mentioned in paragraph (a) has expired, or

(ii) any appeal against it has been determined,

whichever first occurs.

(13) This section is subject to section 104.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F119

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 1 and 2, commenced on enactment.

F120

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F121

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 1 and 3, commenced on enactment.

F122

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 32(a), (b) and (c), commenced on enactment.

F123

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 32(b) and (d), commenced on enactment.

F124

Substituted (6.10.2004) by Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 (33/2004), s. 61(1) and sch. 2 part 1, commenced on enactment.

F125

Substituted (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 22, commenced on enactment.

Section 77A

F126[Dismissal of claim.

77A

77A.(1) The F127[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] may dismiss a claim at any stage if of opinion that it has been made in bad faith or is frivolous, vexatious or misconceived or relates to a trivial matter.

(2) (a) Not later than 42 days after the F127[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] dismisses a claim under this section, the complainant may appeal against the decision to the Labour Court on notice to the F127[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] specifying the grounds of the appeal.

(b) On the appeal the Labour Court may affirm or quash the decision.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F126

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 33, commenced on enactment.

F127

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C28

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 78

Mediation.

78

F128[78. Section 39 of the Act of 2015 shall apply to a case referred to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 77 of this Act as it applies to a complaint presented, or dispute referred, to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 41 of the Act of 2015, subject to the modification that references to a complaint or dispute under the said section 39 shall be construed as references to a case so referred.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F128

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(e), S.I. No. 410 of 2015.

Editorial Notes:

E65

Previous affecting provision: section amended (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 23, commenced on enactment; section substituted as per F-note above.

E66

Previous affecting provision: section amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 4, 5, 6, 7(a), (b), 8 and 9, commenced on enactment; section substituted as per F-note above.

E67

Previous affecting provision: section amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 34(a), (b) and (c), commenced on enactment; section substituted as per F-note above.

Section 79

Investigations by F129[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Labour Court.

79

F130[79.(1) Where a case which has been referred to the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 77

(a) does not fall to be dealt with by way of mediation under section 78, or

(b) falls to be dealt with under this section by virtue of section 78(7),

the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall investigate the case and may, as part of that investigation and if the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] considers it appropriate, hear persons appearing to the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] to be interested.]

F132[(1A) (a) Claims to have been discriminated against on more than one of the discriminatory grounds shall be investigated as a single case, and

(b) claims both to have been discriminated against on one or more than one of such grounds and to have been penalised in circumstances amounting to victimisation may, in an appropriate case, be so investigated,

but a decision shall be made on each of the claims.]

F133[(2) An investigation under this section shall be held in public unless the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission, of his or her own motion or upon the application by or on behalf of any party, determines that, due to the existence of special circumstances, the investigation (or part thereof) should be held otherwise than in public.]

F135[(2A)(a) Where the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] considers that the case may be dealt with on the basis of written submissions only, the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall notify the parties in writing of his or her proposal to do so.

(b) A notification under paragraph (a) shall inform the parties of the right to make representations to the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] in accordance with paragraph (c).

(c) A person who receives a notification under paragraph (a) may, within 28 days from the issue of the notification, make representations to the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] as to why the case should not be dealt with on the basis of written submissions only.

(d) Where, in representations made pursuant to paragraph (c), objection is made to the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] dealing with the matter on the basis of written submissions only, the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall not determine the matter in that manner. ]

(3) If, in a case which is referred on the ground that the complainant is not receiving remuneration in accordance with an equal remuneration term, a question arises whether the different rates of remuneration to which the case relates are lawful by virtue of section 19(5) or 29(5), the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] may direct that that question shall be investigated as a preliminary issue and shall proceed accordingly.

F132[(3A) If, in a case which is referred to the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 77, a question arises relating to the entitlement of any party to bring or contest proceedings under that section, including:

(a) whether the complainant has complied with the statutory requirements relating to such referrals,

(b) whether the discrimination or victimisation concerned occurred on or after 18 October 1999,

(c) whether the complainant is an employee, or

(d) any other related question of law or fact,

the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] may direct that the question be investigated as a preliminary issue and shall proceed accordingly.]

(4) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the Minister may by regulations specify—

(a) procedures to be followed by the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] F134[] in carrying out investigations (or any description of investigations) under this section, and

(b) time limits applicable to such investigations, including procedures for extending those limits in certain circumstances,

but, before making any such regulations, the Minister shall consult F134[] the Authority and the Director F134[].

(5) Unless the Director F134[] considers it necessary to do so in order to bring an investigation to a proper conclusion, information shall be neither sought nor relied upon for the purpose of an investigation under this section (or of any appeal subsequent thereto) if it relates to or is derived from communications with external advisers to any of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 76(5).

F135[(5A) F136[]]

(6) At the conclusion of an investigation under this section (including an investigation of a preliminary issue under F137[subsection (3) or (3A)]), the F131[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall F137[make a decision] F134[] and, if the decision F134[] is in favour of the complainant—

(a) it shall provide for redress in accordance with section 82, or

(b) in the case of a decision on a preliminary issue under F130[subsection (3) or (3A)], it shall be followed by an investigation of the substantive issue.

F132[(7) F136[]]

F138[(8) (a) The Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission may require a person giving evidence in an investigation under this section to give such evidence on oath or affirmation and, for that purpose, cause to be administered an oath or affirmation to such person.

(b) A person who, in or for the purpose of an investigation under this section, gives a statement material in the investigation while lawfully sworn as a witness that is false and that he or she knows to be false shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable—

(i) on summary conviction, to a class B fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both, or

(ii) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F129

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F130

Substituted (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 24(a) and (d), commenced on enactment.

F131

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F132

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 35 (a), (b) and (d), commenced on enactment.

F133

Substituted (29.07.2021) by Workplace Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (29/2021), s. 11(a), S.I. No. 397 of 2021.

F134

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 10(a)-(c), 12(a)-(c), 13 and 14(a) and (b), commenced on enactment.

F135

Inserted (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 24(b) and (c), commenced on enactment.

F136

Deleted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(f), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F137

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 35(c)(i) and (ii), commenced on enactment.

F138

Inserted (29.07.2021) by Workplace Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (29/2021), s. 11(b), S.I. No. 397 of 2021. A class B fine means a fine not exceeding €4,000 as provided (4.01.2011) by Fines Act 2010 (8/2010), ss. 3, 5(1), S.I. No. 662 of 2010.

Modifications (not altering text):

C29

Functions transferred and “Minister for Justice and Equality” and “Department of Justice and Equality” construed (1.01.2013) by Equality Tribunal (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 531 of 2012), arts. 2, 3(1)(a), 3(2), commenced as per art. 1(2).

2.—(1) The administration and business in connection with the exercise, performance or execution of any functions transferred by Article 3 are transferred to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Department of Justice and Equality contained in any Act or any instrument made under such Act and relating to any administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

3.—(1) The functions vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality by or under—

(a) sections 75, 76, 79, 94 and 100 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (No. 21 of 1998),

...

are transferred to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Minister for Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act and relating to any functions transferred by this Article shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

...

Editorial Notes:

E68

Previous affecting provision: subs. (2) amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 11, commenced on enactment; substituted as per F-note above.

Section 80

References to the Circuit Court.

80

80.(1) This section applies where a case is referred to the Circuit Court under section 77(3); and any reference in subsections (2) to (5) of this section to the proceedings is a reference to the proceedings on the reference.

(2) The jurisdiction of the Circuit Court shall be exercised by the judge for the time being assigned to the circuit where the respondent resides or ordinarily carries on any profession, business or occupation.

(3) With the substitution of a reference to the Circuit Court for the reference to the F139[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], section 79(3) shall apply in relation to a reference to the Circuit Court as it applies in relation to a reference to the F139[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission].

(4) If requested to do so by the Circuit Court, the F139[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall nominate an F140[adjudication officer] to investigate, and prepare a report on, any question specified by the Circuit Court and arising on the reference (including, in particular, any question whether persons are employed to do like work).

(5) Where a report is prepared for the Circuit Court under subsection (4), then, subject to any directions of the Circuit Court—

(a) the F140[adjudication officer] shall furnish a copy of the report to the complainant and the respondent and to any other person to whom it relates,

(b) the report shall be received in evidence in the proceedings, and

(c) without prejudice to the power of the Circuit Court to require the F140[adjudication officer] by whom the report was prepared to attend and give evidence in the proceedings, the F140[adjudication officer] may be called as a witness in the proceedings by the complainant or the respondent.

Annotations

Amendments:

F139

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F140

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(i), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C30

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 81

Consequences of failure to supply information etc.

81

81.If, in the course of proceedings on a reference under section 77(3) or of an investigation under section 79, it appears to the Circuit Court F141[or the F142[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission]] as the case may be—

(a) that the respondent failed to supply information which the complainant sought by questions under section 76 and which was in the respondent’s possession or power, or

(b) that the information supplied by the respondent in response to any such question was false or misleading or was otherwise not such as the complainant might reasonably have required in order to make the decision referred to in section 76(1),

the Circuit Court F141[or the F142[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission]] (as the case may require) may draw such inferences as seem appropriate from the failure to supply the information or, as the case may be, for the supply of information as mentioned in paragraph (b).

Annotations

Amendments:

F141

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 15, commenced on enactment.

F142

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C31

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 82

Redress which may be ordered.

82

82.(1) Subject to this section, the types of redress for which a decision of the F143[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 79 may provide are such one or more of the following as may be appropriate in the circumstances of the particular case:

(a) an order for compensation in the form of arrears of remuneration (attributable to a failure to provide equal remuneration) in respect of so much of the period of employment as begins not more than 3 years before the date of the referral under section 77(1) which led to the decision;

(b) an order for equal remuneration from the date referred to in paragraph (a);

(c) an order for compensation for the effects of acts of discrimination or victimisation which occurred not earlier than 6 years before the date of the referral of the case under section 77;

(d) an order for equal treatment in whatever respect is relevant to the case;

(e) an order that a person or persons specified in the order take a course of action which is so F144[specified;]

F145[(f) an order for re-instatement or re-engagement, with or without an order for compensation.]

(2) F146[]

(3) The types of redress for which the Circuit Court may provide on a reference under section 77(3) are such one or more of the following as may be appropriate in the circumstances of the particular case:

(a) an order for compensation in the form of arrears of remuneration (attributable to a failure to provide equal remuneration) in respect of so much of the period of employment as begins not more than 6 years before the date of the referral;

(b) an order for equal remuneration from the date of the referral;

(c) the orders referred to in F144[paragraphs (c) to (f)] of subsection (1);

(d) F146[]

and no enactment relating to the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court shall be taken to limit the amount of compensation or remuneration which may be ordered by the Circuit Court by virtue of this subsection.

F147[(4) The maximum amount which may be ordered by the F143[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] by way of compensation under subsection (1)(c) or (1)(f) shall be

(a) in any case where the complainant was in receipt of remuneration at the date of the reference of the case, or if it was earlier, the date of dismissal, an amount equal to the greatest of

(i) 104 times the amount of that remuneration, determined on a weekly basis,

(ii) 104 times the amount, determined on a weekly basis, which the complainant would have received at that date but for the act of discrimination or victimisation concerned, or

(iii) 40,000,

or

(b) in any other case, 13,000. ]

(5) Where the case for which the redress is to be provided is referred to the F143[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] F146[] and arises—

(a) under Part III, or

(b) in any other circumstances (including circumstances amounting to victimisation) to which the Equal Pay Directive or the Equal Treatment Directive is relevant,

the F143[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] F146[] may, in addition to making an order for compensation, also order the payment of interest, at the rate which is applicable under section 22(1) of the Courts Act, 1981

(i) in respect of the whole or any part of the amount of the compensation, and

(ii) in respect of the period beginning on the relevant date and ending on the date of the payment,

and, for the purposes of subparagraph (ii), “the relevant date” means the first day of the period (if any) to which the compensation is expressed to be referable or, if there is no such period, the date of the reference under section 77(1).

F148[(6) (a) The maximum amount of compensation specified in subsection (4) applies notwithstanding that conduct the subject of the investigation by the F143[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] constituted

(i) discrimination on more than one of the discriminatory grounds, or

(ii) both discrimination on one or more than one of such grounds and harassment or sexual harassment.

 (b) In paragraph (a) "discrimination" does not include non-compliance with an equal remuneration term.

(7) An order for compensation under this section may not be made in favour of the Authority in a case referred by it to the F143[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 85(1).

(8) Where an act constitutes victimisation under both this Act and the Equal Status Act 2000, redress may be provided under only one of them.

(9) Where a delay in referring a case under this Act to the F143[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or Circuit Court is attributable to the respondents having misrepresented to the complainant the facts of the case, references in this section to the date of referral shall be construed as references to the date of the misrepresentation.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F143

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F144

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 16(a) and 18(a), commenced on enactment.

F145

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 16(b) and 19(a), commenced on enactment.

F146

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 17, 18(b), 19(b) and 20(a) and (b), commenced on enactment.

F147

Substituted (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 25(1), commenced on enactment, subject to subs. (2) which provides that the substitution applies as respects a claim under s. 77(1) where the act or omission occurs after the substitution date.

F148

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 36, commenced on enactment.

Section 83

Appeals from the F149[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] to the Labour Court.

83

F150[83. Section 44 of the Act of 2015 shall apply to a decision of the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 79 as it applies to a decision of an adjudication officer under section 41 of that Act, subject to the following modifications:

(a) the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (1):

"(1) (a) A party to a case referred to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 77 of the Act of 1998 may appeal a decision of the Director General given in an investigation in relation to that case under section 79 of that Act to the Labour Court and, where the party does so, the Labour Court shall

(i) give the parties to the appeal an opportunity to be heard by it and to present to it any evidence relevant to the appeal,

(ii) make a decision in relation to the appeal affirming, varying or setting aside the decision of the adjudication officer to which the appeal relates, and

(iii) give the parties to the appeal a copy of that decision in writing.

(b) The Labour Court shall have power to grant such redress in an appeal under this paragraph as the Director General has power to grant in an investigation under section 79 of the Act of 1998.";

and

(b) any other necessary modifications.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F149

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F150

Substituted (1.10.2015) by National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015 (22/2015), s. 17(1)(a), S.I. No. 411 of 2015.

Modifications (not altering text):

C32

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Editorial Notes:

E69

Previous affecting provision: section substituted by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(g), not commenced; deleted (1.10.2015) by National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015 (22/2015), s. 20(1)(n)(i), S.I. No. 411 of 2015.

E70

Previous affecting provision: subs. (5) amended (2.08.2011) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), s. 26, commenced on enactment; section substituted as per F-note above.

Section 84

References by the Labour Court to the F151[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission.]

84

84.(1) F152[]

(2) Where an appeal is brought to the Labour Court under section 83 and it considers that its determination on the appeal would be assisted by the exercise of its powers under this subsection, the Labour Court may refer all or any of the matters in issue on the appeal to the F151[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] for further investigation or, as appropriate, re-investigation; and, where such a reference is made, the F151[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall conduct the further or new investigation of the matters so referred and submit a report thereon to the Labour Court.

(3) Where the Labour Court refers any matters to the F151[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under F153[subsection (2)]

(a) it may suspend, in whole or in part, or adjourn its investigation of the case in question or, as the case may be, its hearing of the appeal, pending the receipt of a report from the F151[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], and

(b) it shall take account of the F151[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission]’s report on the matters referred in reaching its determination.

(4) Where, on an appeal under section 83, the Labour Court determines that the decision of the F151[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] which is in question should be set aside, it may, by its determination, also refer the matter in issue back to the F151[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] for a new investigation and decision under section 79.

Annotations

Amendments:

F151

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015.

F152

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 21, commenced on enactment.

F153

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 22, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C33

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 85

Enforcement powers of the Authority.

85

85.(1) Where it appears to the Authority—

(a) that discrimination or victimisation is being generally practised against persons or that a practice referred to in section 8(4) is being applied or operated,

(b) that discrimination or victimisation has occurred in relation to a particular person who has not made a reference under section 77 in relation to the discrimination or victimisation and that it is not reasonable to expect that person to make such a reference,

(c) that there is a failure to comply with an equal remuneration term or an equality clause either generally in a business or in relation to a particular person who has not made a reference under section 77 in relation to the failure and whom it is not reasonable to expect to make such a reference,

(d) that a publication or display has been made in contravention of section 10,

(e) that, contrary to section 14, a person has procured or attempted to procure another to do anything which constitutes discrimination or victimisation, or

(f) that a person has procured or attempted to procure another to break an equal remuneration term or an equality clause,

the Authority may refer the matter to the F154[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission].

(2) Where the Authority refers a matter to the F154[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under subsection (1), the preceding provisions of this Part shall apply as if it were a case referred under section 77, except that—

(a) any reference to the complainant shall be construed as a reference to the Authority,

(b) any reference to the respondent shall be construed as a reference to the person who, in the opinion of the Authority, practised the discrimination or, as the case may require, was responsible for the failure to comply with the equal remuneration term or equality clause or for the victimisation or the publication or display or for the procurement or attempted procurement, and

(c) any reference to the parties shall be taken to include, in the case of a matter referred by virtue of any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1), any person who was discriminated against or victimised or suffered from the failure to comply as mentioned in the paragraph concerned.

(3) In a decision under section 79, as applied by subsection (2), the following types of redress shall be available:

(a) redress as under section 82 (construing references in that section to the complainant as references to the person referred to in subsection (2)(c));

(b) where the reference was by virtue of subsection (1)(d), a decision that a publication or display was or was not made in contravention of section 10; and

(c) where the reference was by virtue of paragraph (e) or (f) of subsection (1), a decision that the person concerned has or has not procured or attempted to procure as mentioned in the paragraph concerned.

(4) Subsection (5) applies in a case where the Authority satisfies the High Court or, as the case may be, the Circuit Court that, following a decision under section 79, as applied by subsection (2), in a matter referred by virtue of any paragraph of subsection (1), there is a likelihood of—

(a) further discrimination or victimisation,

(b) a further failure to comply with an equal remuneration term or equality clause,

(c) a further publication or display in contravention of section 10, or

(d) further procuring or attempting to procure as mentioned in paragraph (e) or (f) of subsection (1), by a person in relation to whom the decision was made, and of the type the subject of the decision.

(5) In a case to which this subsection applies, the High Court or the Circuit Court, on the motion of the Authority specifying the person in question, may grant an injunction to prevent that person from continuing any conduct (such as is mentioned in subsection (4)), of a type so specified.

F155[(5A) Where the Authority refers, or is considering whether to refer, a matter to the F154[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under subsection (1) in relation to a person referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of that subsection, subsections (5) to (8) of section 67 shall apply and have effect in relation to that person as those subsections do in relation to a person requesting assistance under that section.]

(6) The jurisdiction conferred on the Circuit Court by this section shall be exercised by the judge for the time being assigned to the circuit where the person specified in the Authority’s motion ordinarily resides or carries on any profession, business or occupation.

Annotations

Amendments:

F154

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(10(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F155

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 37, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C34

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 85A

F156[Burden of proof.

85A

85A.(1) Where in any proceedings facts are established by or on behalf of a complainant from which it may be presumed that there has been discrimination in relation to him or her, it is for the respondent to prove the contrary.

(2) This section is without prejudice to any other enactment or rule of law in relation to the burden of proof in any proceedings which may be more favourable to a complainant.

(3) Where, in any proceedings arising from a reference of a matter by the Authority to the F157[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 85(1), facts are established by or on behalf of the Authority from which it may be presumed that an action or a failure mentioned in a paragraph of that provision has occurred, it is for the respondent to prove the contrary.

(4) In this section "discrimination" includes

(a) indirect discrimination,

(b) victimisation,

(c) harassment or sexual harassment,

(d) the inclusion in a collective agreement to which section 9 applies of a provision which, by virtue of that section, is null and void.

(5) The European Communities (Burden of Proof in Gender Discrimination Cases) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 337 of 2001), in so far as they relate to proceedings under this Act, are revoked.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F156

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 38, commenced on enactment.

F157

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015.

Section 85B

F158[Application to Circuit Court or High Court in case of failure to comply with regulations made under section 20A

85B

85B. (1) Subject to subsection (3), where the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is satisfied that it has reasonable grounds for believing that there has been a failure by a person (in this section referred to as the "person concerned") to comply with regulations made under section 20A, it may make an application to the Circuit Court or the High Court for the grant of an order requiring the person concerned to comply with those regulations.

(2) The Circuit Court or the High Court may grant the order sought by an application under subsection (1) if the Court is satisfied that the person concerned has failed to comply with regulations made under section 20A.

(3) The jurisdiction conferred on the Circuit Court by this section shall be exercised by the judge for the time being assigned to the circuit where the person concerned ordinarily resides or carries on any profession, business or occupation.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F158

Inserted (31.05.2022) by Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 (20/2021), s. 3, S.I. No. 263 of 2022.

Section 85C

F159[Redress through Workplace Relations Commission

85C

85C. (1) An employee (in this section referred to as the "complainant") who claims that his or her current employer (in this section referred to as the "respondent") has failed to comply with regulations made under section 20A (such claim in this section being referred to as the "complaint") may refer the complaint to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission.

(2) (a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (d), the Director General shall investigate the complaint if he or she is satisfied that there is a prima facie case to warrant the investigation.

(b) (i) The Director General may, by notice in writing given to the complainant or respondent, or both, require the complainant or respondent, or both, to give to the Director General, within the period specified in the notice (being a period reasonable in the circumstances), such further information that the Director General may reasonably require in order to assist the Director General to decide whether or not there is a prima facie case referred to in paragraph (a).

(ii) The complainant or respondent given a notice under subparagraph (i) shall comply with the notice.

(c) The Director General may, as part of an investigation (if any) of the complaint and if he or she considers it appropriate to do so, hear persons appearing to the Director General to be interested and desiring to be so heard.

(d) Section 77A shall, with all necessary modifications, apply to a complaint as that section applies to a claim.

(3) Subsections (3A) and (4) of section 79 shall, with all necessary modifications, apply in relation to an investigation by the Director General under subsection (2) as they apply in relation to an investigation by the Director General under that section.

(4) At the conclusion of an investigation under subsection (2) (including an investigation of a preliminary issue under subsection (3A) of section 79), the Director General shall make and issue a decision and, if the decision is in favour of the complainant—

(a) the Director General may provide for an order that the respondent take a specified course of action in order to comply with regulations made under section 20A, or

(b) in the case of a decision on a preliminary issue under subsection (3A) of section 79, it shall be followed by an investigation of the complaint.

(5) Not later than 42 days from the date of such a decision, the complainant, on notice to the respondent, or the respondent, on notice to the complainant, may appeal to the Labour Court by notice in writing specifying the grounds of the appeal.

(6) Proceedings under subsection (5) shall be conducted in public unless the Labour Court, upon the application of a party to the proceedings, determines that, due to the existence of special circumstances, the proceedings (or part thereof) should be conducted otherwise than in public.

(7) The Labour Court shall issue a determination on the appeal under subsection (5) and the Court shall have power to grant such redress as the Director General has under subsection (4)(a).

(8) Notwithstanding anything in section 89, the publication of decisions and determinations shall include the names of the complainant and respondent.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F159

Inserted (31.05.2022) by Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 (20/2021), s. 3, S.I. No. 263 of 2022.

Collective Agreements

Section 86

Reference of collective agreements to F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission].

86

86.(1) If the Authority or a person who is affected by a collective agreement claims that a provision of that agreement is null and void by virtue of section 9, the Authority or that person may refer the question of that agreement to the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission]; and in this section (and section 87) the Authority or the person making such a reference is referred to as “the complainant”.

(2) For the purposes of this section (and section 87)—

(a) the expression “collective agreement” shall be taken to include an order or agreement falling within paragraph (b) or (c) of section 9 (3),

(b) a person is affected by a collective agreement if that person is an employee whose remuneration or whose conditions of employment are, in whole or in part, governed by the agreement (or any part of it), and

(c) the respondents” means the parties to the agreement, other than (where relevant) the complainant.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), where a collective agreement is referred to the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under this section, the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall consider whether the question of the possible nullity of a provision of the agreement appears to be one which could be resolved by mediation and—

(a) if the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] considers that the question could be so resolved, the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall refer the agreement to an F161[mediation officer] for mediation in accordance with section 87, and

(b) if the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] considers that the question could not be so resolved, the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall proceed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection (4).

(4) If the complainant or the respondents object to a reference under subsection (3)(a) (or if section 78(7) applies in accordance with subsection (6)) the Director—

(a) shall not exercise the powers under subsection (3)(a),

(b) shall investigate the agreement and, for that purpose, hear all persons appearing to the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] to be interested and desiring to be heard, and

(c) shall issue a decision in accordance with section 87,

and subsections (3) and (4) of section 79 shall apply in relation to an investigation by the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under this subsection as they apply in relation to an investigation by the F160[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under that section.

(5) Mediation under subsection (3) or an investigation under subsection (4) shall be conducted in private.

(6) Where a collective agreement is referred for mediation under subsection (3), subsections (5) to (7) of section 78 shall apply as they apply where a case which has been referred to an F161[mediation officer] under section 78(1) but, for the purpose of that application—

(a) references in those subsections to the complainant and the respondent shall be construed as references to the complainant and the respondents, within the meaning of this section, and

(b) section 78(7) shall have effect as if, for the words following paragraph (c) thereof, there were substituted “the Director shall investigate the matter of the agreement under section 86(4)”.

Annotations

Amendments:

F160

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).

F161

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(iii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C35

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 87

Mediation, decisions and appeals relating to collective agreements.

87

87.(1) Where a collective agreement is referred to the F162[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 86, it shall be the purpose of—

(a) mediation by an F162[mediation officer] under subsection (3) of that section, or

(b) a decision of the F162[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under subsection (4) of that section,

to identify which (if any) provisions of the agreement are null and void by virtue of section 9 and, if the F162[mediation officer] or, as the case may be, the F162[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] thinks it appropriate, to provide guidance to the parties to the agreement as to how alternative or amended provisions might be devised which it would be lawful to include in the agreement.

(2) Not later than 42 days from the date of such a decision as is referred to in subsection (1)(b), the complainant or the respondent may appeal to the Labour Court by notice in writing specifying the grounds of the appeal.

(3) The Labour Court shall hear an appeal under subsection (2) in private unless, at the request of one of the parties, it determines to hold the appeal, or so much of it as it does not consider should be treated as confidential, in public, and the enactments specified in section 83 (3) shall apply to such an appeal as they apply to an appeal under section 83.

(4) In its determination of an appeal under subsection (2) the Labour Court shall seek to achieve the purpose specified in subsection (1).

(5) In this section “collective agreement”, “the complainant” and “the respondent” have the same meaning as in section 86.

Annotations

Amendments:

F162

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), (iii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C36

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Decisions and Determinations Generally

Section 88

Form and content of decisions and determinations.

88

88.(1) Every decision of the F163[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or determination of the Labour Court under this Part shall be in writing and—

(a) if the F163[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Labour Court thinks fit, or

(b) if any of the parties so requests,

the decision or determination shall include a statement of the reasons why the F163[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] reached that decision or, as the case may be, why the Labour Court reached that determination.

(2) By notice in writing to the parties, the F163[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or, as the case may be, the Chairman of the Labour Court may correct any mistake (including an omission) of a verbal or formal nature in a decision or determination under this Part.

(3) In this section “the parties” means—

(a) in the case of a decision F164[] under section 79, the complainant and the respondent as defined in section 77(4),

(b) in the case of a determination under section 83, the parties to the appeal,

(c) in the case of a decision under section 85, the Authority and the persons referred to in subsections (2) (b) and (c) of that F165[section,]

F166[(ca) in the case of a decision or determination under section 85C, the complainant and the respondent, within the meaning of that section, and]

(d) in the case of a decision under section 86 or a determination under section 87, the complainant and the respondents, within the meaning of section 86.

(4) If any person who participated in an investigation under section 79 or 86 is not correctly identified in the resulting decision or determination, the correction of that error shall be regarded as falling within subsection (2).

Annotations

Amendments:

F163

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F164

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 23, commenced on enactment.

F165

Substituted (31.05.2022) by Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 (20/2021), s. 4(a), S.I. No. 263 of 2022.

F166

Inserted (31.05.2022) by Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 (20/2021), s. 4(b), S.I. No. 263 of 2022.

Modifications (not altering text):

C37

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 89

Supply and publication of decisions and determinations.

89

89.(1) A copy of every decision of the F167[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under this Part shall be given—

(a) to each of the parties, and

(b) to the Labour Court,

and every such decision shall be published F168[on the internet in such form and in such manner as the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission considers appropriate].

(2) A copy of every determination of the Labour Court under this Part shall be given to each of the parties; and every such determination shall be published and a copy thereof made available for inspection at the office of the Labour Court.

(3) In this section “the parties” has the same meaning as in section 88.

(4) Any reference in this section to a decision or determination includes a reference to any statement of reasons included in the decision or determination as mentioned in section 88(1).

(5) The contents of any document which is published or made available by virtue of this section shall be protected by absolute privilege.

Annotations

Amendments:

F167

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F168

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(h), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provisions in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C38

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 90

Appeals and references from the Labour Court.

90

90.F169[(1) Where a determination is made by the Labour Court on an appeal under this Part, either of the parties may appeal to the High Court on a point of law.

(2) The Labour Court may

(a) refer to the High Court a point of law arising in the course of such an appeal, and

(b) if it thinks it appropriate, adjourn the appeal pending the outcome of the reference.]

(3) F170[]

(4) F170[]

(5) F170[]

(6) F170[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F169

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 24, commenced on enactment.

F170

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 24, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C39

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Enforcement by Circuit Court

Section 91

Enforcement of determinations, decisions and mediated settlements.

91

F171[91. (1) Section 43 of the Act of 2015 shall apply to a decision of the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 79 as it applies to a decision of an adjudication officer under section 41 of that Act, subject to

(a) the modification that the following paragraph is substituted for paragraph (a) of subsection (1):

"(a) on application to it in that behalf by the complainant concerned, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, or",

and

(b) the following modifications:

(i) references to a complaint or dispute referred to an adjudication officer under section 41 shall be construed as references to a case referred to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 77 of this Act;

(ii) references to a complaint or dispute shall be construed as references to a case referred to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 77 of this Act;

(iii) references to decision of an adjudication officer shall be construed as references to decision of the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 79 of this Act;

(iv) the reference to decision of an adjudication officer under that section shall be construed as a reference to decision of the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 79 of this Act; and

(v) references to employee shall be construed as references to complainant within the meaning of Part VII of this Act and references to employer shall be construed as references to respondent within such meaning.

(2) Section 45 of the Act of 2015 shall apply to a decision of the Labour Court under section 44 of that Act upon an appeal from a decision of the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission under section 79 subject to the modification that the following paragraph is substituted for paragraph (b) of subsection (1):

"(b) on application to it in that behalf, with the consent of the complainant, by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission,".]

Annotations

Amendments:

F171

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(i), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C40

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Editorial Notes:

E71

Previous affecting provision: section amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), ss. 39(a)-(d), 46 and sch. para. 25, commenced on enactment; section substituted as per F-note above.

Section 92

Additional powers of Circuit Court on enforcement.

92

92.F172[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F172

Deleted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(j), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Editorial Notes:

E72

Previous affecting provision: subs. (3) amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 26, commenced on enactment; section substituted as per F-note above.

E73

Previous affecting provision: application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment; section deleted as per F-note above.

Section 93

Compensation in lieu of re-instatement or re-engagement.

93

93.(1) On an application under section 91 which relates to a determination F173[or decision] requiring an employer to re-instate or re-engage an employee, the Circuit Court may, if in all the circumstances it considers it appropriate to do so, instead of making an order under subsection (1) of that section, make a compensation order under this section.

(2) A compensation order under this section is an order directing the employer (in lieu of re-instatement or re-engagement) to pay compensation to the employee.

(3) The maximum amount of compensation which may be ordered under this section is an amount equal to 104 times the amount of the employee’s weekly remuneration at the rate which the employee was receiving at the date of the reference of the case under section 77 or would have received at that date but for the discrimination in question.

Annotations

Amendments:

F173

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 27, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C41

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Information

Section 94

Powers to enter premises, obtain information, etc.

94

94.(1) Subject to subsection (3), this section has effect for the purpose of enabling information to be obtained which the F174[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Labour Court may require to enable them to exercise their functions under this Part; and in this section—

(a) a “designated officer” means the F174[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], the Chairman of the Labour Court F175[, an inspector appointed under section 26 of the Act of 2015], an F174[adjudication officer] or a person authorised in that behalf by the F174[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Chairman, and

(b) material information” means information which a designated officer has reasonable grounds for believing to be relevant for the purpose set out above.

(2) For the purpose set out in subsection (1), a designated officer may do any one or more of the following:

(a) at all reasonable times, peaceably enter premises;

(b) require any person to produce to the designated officer any records, books, documents or other things which are in that person’s power or control and which the designated officer has reasonable grounds for believing to contain material information and to give the designated officer such information and access as may reasonably be required in relation to the contents of any such records, books, documents or other things;

(c) inspect and copy or take extracts from any such records, books, documents or other things;

(d) inspect any work in progress at any premises.

(3) An F174[adjudication officer] who is nominated by the F174[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 80(4) to investigate and prepare a report on a question specified by the Circuit Court may, for the purpose of that investigation and report, exercise any of the powers in paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (2); and, for the purpose of the application of this section in such a case—

(a) any reference in subsections (2), (5) and (6) to a designated officer shall be construed as a reference to the F174[adjudication officer] who is so nominated, and

(b) material information” shall be construed as information which that F174[adjudication officer] has reasonable grounds for believing to be relevant for the purpose of the investigation and report.

(4) The powers conferred by subsection (2) shall not be exercised in respect of a dwelling or any person, record, book, document or other thing in a dwelling unless—

(a) where the powers are to be exercised by virtue of subsection (1), the Minister (or an officer of the Minister authorised by the Minister in that behalf) certifies in writing that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is in the dwelling information which is material to the investigation of a case, or the consideration of an appeal, under this Part, or

(b) where the powers are to be exercised by virtue of subsection (3), the Circuit Court is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is in the dwelling information which is material to the F174[adjudication officer]’s investigation.

(5) If a judge of the District Court is satisfied by information on oath of a designated officer that there is reasonable cause for suspecting that any records, books, documents or other things containing material information are to be found at any premises, the judge may issue a search warrant under this section.

(6) A search warrant issued under this section shall be expressed and operate to authorise a named designated officer, accompanied by such other persons as the named designated officer thinks necessary, at any time or times within 1 month from the date of issue of the warrant, on production if so requested of the warrant—

(a) to enter the premises named in the warrant, if necessary by force,

(b) to search these premises, and

(c) to exercise any such power as is described in subsection (2) (b) or (c) in relation to persons and records, books, documents or other things found at the premises.

Annotations

Amendments:

F174

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(i), (ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F175

Inserted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(k), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C42

Functions transferred and “Minister for Justice and Equality” and “Department of Justice and Equality” construed (1.01.2013) by Equality Tribunal (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 531 of 2012), arts. 2, 3(1)(a), 3(2), commenced as per art. 1(2).

2.—(1) The administration and business in connection with the exercise, performance or execution of any functions transferred by Article 3 are transferred to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Department of Justice and Equality contained in any Act or any instrument made under such Act and relating to any administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

3.—(1) The functions vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality by or under—

(a) sections 75, 76, 79, 94 and 100 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (No. 21 of 1998),

...

are transferred to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Minister for Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act and relating to any functions transferred by this Article shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

...

C43

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 95

Requirements on persons to provide information.

95

95.(1) For the purpose of enabling the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Labour Court to exercise their functions under this Part, the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Chairman of the Labour Court—

(a) may require any person who, in the opinion of the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Chairman (as the case may be) is in possession of, or has in his or her power or control, any information that is relevant to the exercise of those functions to furnish that information to the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Chairman, and

(b) where appropriate, may require any such person to attend before the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Chairman for that purpose,

and the person shall comply with any requirement so made.

(2) A requirement under subsection (1) may specify a time and place at which information is to be furnished or a person is to attend; and if no such time or place is specified in the requirement, the person to whom the requirement is addressed shall comply with it as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(3) Any persons required to attend before the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Chairman of the Labour Court under subsection (1)(b) shall—

(a) answer fully and truthfully any questions put to them by the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Chairman (other than any question tending to incriminate the person asked), and

(b) if so requested by the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or the Chairman, sign a declaration of the truth of their answers to any such questions.

(4) For the purpose of enabling an F176[adjudication officer] nominated by the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 80(4) to perform the functions of investigating and preparing a report on a question specified by the Circuit Court, subsections (1) to (3) shall apply with the substitution of a reference to the F176[adjudication officer] for any reference to the F176[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission].

Annotations

Amendments:

F176

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/215), s. 83(1)(c)(i), (ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C44

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 96

Sanctions for failure or refusal to supply documents, information, etc.

96

96.(1) If it appears to the F177[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], the Chairman of the Labour Court or an F177[adjudication officer] that any person has failed to comply with—

(a) a requirement under section 94(2) (b), or

(b) a requirement under section 95(1),

then, according as the case may require, the F177[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], the Chairman or the F177[adjudication officer] may apply to the Circuit Court for an order under this section.

(2) Subject to subsection (3) if, on an application under this section, the Circuit Court is satisfied as to the failure of the person concerned to comply with the requirement in question, the Circuit Court may make an order requiring that person to comply with the requirement.

(3) If, on an application under this section, the Circuit Court is of the opinion that the requirement in question purports to require the person concerned—

(a) to produce any record, book, document or other thing, or

(b) to furnish any information,

for which that person is entitled to claim legal professional privilege, the Circuit Court shall set aside the requirement.

(4) The jurisdiction conferred on the Circuit Court by this section shall be exercised by the judge for the time being assigned to the circuit where the respondent ordinarily resides or carries on any profession, business or occupation.

Annotations

Amendments:

F177

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(i), (ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C45

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 97

Supplementary provisions as to information.

97

97.(1) Where, in the course, or for the purposes, of any investigation, mediation or hearing under this Part, any person discloses information to the Labour Court, the F178[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], an F178[mediation officer] or any other person entitled to obtain it, the making of the disclosure shall not give rise to any liability (in contract, tort or otherwise) on the part of the person making it.

(2) No information furnished to, or otherwise acquired by, the Labour Court, the F178[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or any other person, by virtue of sections 94 to 96, or otherwise in the course, or for the purposes, of any investigation, mediation or hearing under this Part shall be published or otherwise disclosed except—

(a) for the purposes of such an investigation, mediation or hearing,

(b) on the order of the High Court or the Circuit Court,

(c) with the consent of the person furnishing the information and of any other person to whom the information may relate,

(d) in a decision of the F178[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or a determination of the Labour Court which is published or made available under section 89 and to which the disclosure of the information is relevant, or

(e) for the purposes of an application under section 96.

(3) In subsection (2) any reference to information includes any record, book, document or other thing in which the information is contained.

(4) Any person who discloses information in contravention of subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence under this section.

Annotations

Amendments:

F178

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), (iii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C46

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Offences

Section 98

Penalty for dismissal of employee for exercising rights.

98

98.(1) If an employee is dismissed in circumstances amounting to victimisation, the employee’s employer shall be guilty of an offence and if, in a prosecution for an offence under this section, it is proved—

(a) that the employee was dismissed, and

(b) that the employee, in good faith, did one or more of the acts specified in F179[paragraphs (a) to (g)] of section 74(2),

that proof shall, without more, be evidence until the contrary is proved, that the sole or main reason for the dismissal of the employee was that the employee, in good faith, did one or more of those acts.

(2) Subject to subsection (4), on a conviction of an offence under this section, the court may, if it thinks fit and considers that the F180[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] would have power to do so—

(a) make an order for the re-instatement of the employee by the employer, or

(b) make an order for the re-engagement of the employee by the employer.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), if the court by which a person is convicted of an offence under this section does not make an order under subsection (2) (a) or (b), it may, if it thinks fit, in addition to imposing a fine for the offence, order the employer to pay to the employee concerned such amount of compensation as, subject to subsection (5), the court considers appropriate, having regard to any evidence and to any representations that are made by or on behalf of the employer or the employee concerned.

(4) The court shall not exercise its powers under subsection (2) or (3) unless the employee concerned consents.

(5) The amount of compensation which may be ordered under subsection (3) shall not exceed either—

(a) the amount which, having regard to subsections (4) and (5) of section 82, the F180[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] could order by way of compensation under F181[paragraph (c) or (f) of section 81(1)] on a claim for redress in respect of the dismissal, or

(b) if the order is made by the District Court, £5,000 or such other amount as may stand prescribed for the time being by law as the limit of that court’s jurisdiction in tort,

and, in applying any provision of section 82 for the purposes of paragraph (a), any reference to the date of the reference shall be construed as a reference to the date of the dismissal and any reference to the date of the F180[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall be construed as a reference to the date of the conviction of the offence.

(6) Where, on conviction of an employer for an offence under this section, the court makes an order under subsection (2) (a) or (b) or subsection (3)

(a) whether or not the employer appeals against the conviction or sentence, the employer may appeal against the order to the court to which an appeal lies against the conviction, and

(b) the court hearing an appeal against the conviction or sentence, or an appeal against the order alone, may revoke or vary the order and, in particular, where the order was made under subsection (3), may vary the amount of the compensation.

(7) Where the court makes an order under subsection (3) for the payment of an amount of compensation—

(a) without prejudice to any right of appeal by any other person, the employee concerned shall have a right of appeal, limited to the amount of the compensation, to either the High Court or, as the case may be, to the judge of the Circuit Court in whose circuit is situated the district (or any part thereof) of the judge of the District Court by whom the compensation was ordered, and

(b) to the extent of the amount of compensation paid, the payment by the employer of the compensation shall be a good defence in any civil proceedings brought by the employee concerned in respect of the remuneration which the employee would have received if the dismissal had not occurred.

(8) Where an appeal is brought under subsection (7)(a), the decision of the High Court or, as the case may be, the judge of the Circuit Court shall be final.

Annotations

Amendments:

F179

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 40, commenced on enactment.

F180

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F181

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 28 and 29, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C47

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Editorial Notes:

E74

Previous affecting provision: subss. (2), (5) amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 28 and 29, commenced on enactment; substituted as per F-note above.

Section 99

Obstruction etc. of F182[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] and other officers.

99

99.(1) Any person who—

(a) obstructs or impedes the Labour Court, the F182[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or an F182[adjudication officer] in the exercise of powers under this Part, or

(b) fails to comply with a requirement of the Labour Court, the F182[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or an F182[adjudication officer] given under this Part,

shall be guilty of an offence under this section.

(2) Any reference in subsection (1) to an F182[adjudication officer] includes a reference to a person authorised under section 94(1)(a).

Annotations

Amendments:

F182

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(i), (ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C48

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 99A

F183[Award of expenses.

99A

99A.(1) Without prejudice to section 99, the Labour Court or the F184[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] may, if of opinion that a person is obstructing or impeding an investigation or appeal under this Act, order that the person pay to another person a specified amount in respect of the travelling or other expenses reasonably incurred by that other person in connection with the investigation or appeal.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), expenses shall not be payable in respect of the attendance at the investigation or appeal of any person representing a complainant or respondent.

(3) The amount of any expenses ordered to be paid under this section may be recovered as a simple contract debt.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F183

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 41, commenced on enactment.

F184

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Section 100

Offences: general provisions.

100

100.(1) A person who is guilty of an offence under any provision of this Act shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or both, or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £25,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or both.

(2) If the contravention in respect of which a person is convicted of an offence under any provision of this Act is continued after the conviction, that person shall be guilty of a further offence on every day on which the contravention continues and for each such offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £250 or, on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding £1,500.

(3) Summary proceedings for an offence under any provision of this Act may be instituted by the F185[Workplace Relations Commission] or the Authority.

(4) Notwithstanding section 10(4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, summary proceedings for an offence under any provision of this Act may be instituted within 12 months from the date of the offence.

(5) Where an offence under any provision of this Act which is committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any person who, when the offence was committed, was a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or a person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, that person (as well as the body corporate) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished as if guilty of the offence committed by the body corporate.

(6) In relation to a body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, subsection (5) has effect as if “director” included a member of the body corporate.

Annotations

Amendments:

F185

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Commission Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(l), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C49

Functions transferred and “Minister for Justice and Equality” and “Department of Justice and Equality” construed (1.01.2013) by Equality Tribunal (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 531 of 2012), arts. 2, 3(1)(a), 3(2), commenced as per art. 1(2).

2.—(1) The administration and business in connection with the exercise, performance or execution of any functions transferred by Article 3 are transferred to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Department of Justice and Equality contained in any Act or any instrument made under such Act and relating to any administration and business transferred by paragraph (1) shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

3.—(1) The functions vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality by or under—

(a) sections 75, 76, 79, 94 and 100 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (No. 21 of 1998),

...

are transferred to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

(2) References to the Minister for Justice and Equality contained in any Act or instrument made under such Act and relating to any functions transferred by this Article shall, from the commencement of this Order, be construed as references to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

...

C50

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Editorial Notes:

E75

A fine of £1,500 converted (1.01.1999) to €1,904.60. This translates into a class C fine not exceeding €2,500 as provided (4.01.2011) by Fines Act 2010 (8/2010), ss. 3, 6(2) and table ref. no. 1, S.I. No. 662 of 2010.

E76

A fine of £25,000 converted (1.01.1999) to €31,743.45.

E77

A fine of £250 converted (1.01.1999) to €317.43. This translates into a class E fine not exceeding €500 as provided (4.01.2011) by Fines Act 2010 (8/2010), ss. 3, 8(2) and table ref. no. 1, S.I. No. 662 of 2010.

Supplementary

Section 101

Alternative avenues of redress.

101

101.(1) If an individual has instituted proceedings for damages at common law in respect of a failure, by an employer or any other person, to comply with an equal remuneration term or an equality clause, then, if the hearing of the case has begun, the individual may not seek redress (or exercise any other power) under this Part in respect of the failure to comply with the equal remuneration term or the equality clause, as the case may be.

F186[(2) Where an individual has referred a case to the F187[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 77(1) and either a settlement has been reached by mediation or the F187[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] has begun an investigation under section 79, the individual

(a) shall not be entitled to recover damages at common law in respect of the case, and

(b) if he or she was dismissed before so referring the case, shall not be entitled to seek redress (or to exercise, or continue to exercise, any other power) under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 1993 in respect of the dismissal F188[, unless the F187[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], having completed the investigation and in an appropriate case, directs otherwise and so notifies the complainant and respondent].]

(3) If an individual has referred a case to the Circuit Court under section 77(3) in respect of such a failure as is mentioned in subsection (1), the individual shall not be entitled to recover damages at common law in respect of that failure.

(4) F186[An employee who has been dismissed shall not be entitled to seek redress under this Part in respect of the dismissal if]

(a) the employee has instituted proceedings for damages at common law for wrongful dismissal and the hearing of the case has begun, F189[or]

F190[(b) an adjudication officer has made a decision to which subsection (1) of section 8 of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 applies in respect of the dismissal.]

(c) the Employment Appeals Tribunal has begun a hearing into the matter of the dismissal.

F191[(4A) (a) Where an employee refers

(i) a case or claim under section 77, and

(ii) a claim for redress under the Act of 1977,

to the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission in respect of a dismissal, then, from the relevant date, the case or claim referred to in subparagraph (i) shall, in so far only as it relates to such dismissal, be deemed to have been withdrawn unless, before the relevant date, the employee withdraws the claim under the Act of 1977.

(b) In this subsection

"Act of 1977" means the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977;

"dismissal" has the same meaning as it has in the Act of 1977;

"relevant date" means such date as may be prescribed by, or determined in accordance with, regulations made by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.]

F192[(5) Where the F187[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] issues a direction under subsection (2)(b), the resulting entitlement of the employee under that subsection is deemed to have effect from the date of the direction.]

(6) F193[]

Annotations

Amendments:

F186

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 30 and 31, commenced on enactment.

F187

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F188

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 42(a), commenced on enactment.

F189

Inserted (1.10.2015) by National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015 (22/2015), s. 17(1)(b)(i), commenced as per subs. (2) by S.I. No. 410 of 2015.

F190

Substituted (1.10.2015) by National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015 (22/2015), s. 17(1)(b)(ii), commenced as per subs. (2) by S.I. No. 410 of 2015.

F191

Inserted (8.02.2016) by Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Act 2016 (1/2016), s. 17, commenced on enactment.

F192

Substituted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 42(b), commenced on enactment.

F193

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 32, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C51

Prospective affecting provision: functions transferred and Employment Appeals Tribunal construed by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 66, not commenced as of date of revision.

Transfer of functions from Employment Appeals Tribunal

66.(1) (a) All functions that, immediately before the dissolution day, were vested in the Employment Appeals Tribunal are transferred to the Commission in so far as they relate to any claim for redress, dispute or complaint determined by the Employment Appeals Tribunal under an employment enactment before that day.

(b) All functions that, immediately before the dissolution day, were vested in the Employment Appeals Tribunal are transferred to the Labour Court in so far as they relate to appeals determined by the Employment Appeals Tribunal under an employment enactment before that day.

(2) (a) References in any enactment or instrument under an enactment to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in so far as they relate to a function transferred by paragraph (a) of subsection (1) shall be construed as references to the Commission.

(b) References in any enactment or instrument under an enactment to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in so far as they relate to a function transferred by paragraph (b) of subsection (1) shall be construed as references to the Labour Court.

(3) This section shall come into operation on the dissolution day.

C52

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section ‘the Act of 1998’ means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Editorial Notes:

E78

Power pursuant to subs. (4A) exercised and “relevant date” for the purposes of subs. (4A) prescribed (7.03.2016) by Employment Equality Act 1998 (Withdrawal of Certain Claims) (Relevant Date) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 126 of 2016), reg. 2.

E79

Previous affecting provision: subs. (4)(a) amended, (b) substituted and (4A) inserted by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(m), not commenced; deleted (1.10.2015) by National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015 (22/2015), s. 17(1)(b), commenced as per subs. (2) by S.I. No. 410 of 2015.

Section 101A 101A

F194[Parallel claims.

101A
101A

101A.Where the conduct of an employer constitutes both a contravention of Part III or IV and a contravention of either the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 or the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003, relief may not be granted to the employee concerned in respect of the conduct under both this Act and either of the said Acts.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F194

Inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 43, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C53

Application of section adapted for purposes of Pensions Act 1990, Part VII by Pensions Act 1990, s. 81J and sch. 4 ref. no. 30A (as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, ref. no. 30A providing for alternative application of s. 101A as inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 66(3)(f)(vii), commenced on enactment.

Table heading: Substituted words for the purposes of Part VII

(2) Where the conduct of an employer constitutes both a contravention of Part VII of the Pensions Act 1990 and a contravention of either the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 or the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003, relief may not be granted to the employee concerned in respect of the conduct under both this Act as it applies to Part VII of the Pensions Act 1990 and either of the said Acts.

Section 102

Striking out cases which are not pursued.

102

102.(1) Where—

F195[(a) a case is referred to the F196[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 77,

(b) a matter is referred to the F196[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 85,

(c) a collective agreement is referred to the F196[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under section 86, or

(d) a case is referred to the F196[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] under the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act 1974 or the Employment Equality Act 1977,]

and, at any time after the expiry of 1 year from the date of the reference, it appears to the F196[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] that the complainant has not pursued, or has ceased to pursue, the reference, the F196[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] may strike out the reference.

(2) Where—

F195[(a) an appeal is brought to the Labour Court under this Part, or

(b) a case is referred to the Labour Court under the said Act of 1974 or 1977,]

and, at any time after the expiry of 1 year from the date of the reference or, as the case may be, the bringing of the appeal, it appears to the Labour Court that the complainant or, as the case may be, the appellant has not pursued, or has ceased to pursue, the matter, the Labour Court may strike out the reference or, as the case may be, the appeal.

(3) As soon as practicable after striking out a reference, the Director or, as the case may be, the Labour Court shall give notice in writing to the complainant and the respondent or respondents.

(4) As soon as practicable after striking out an appeal, the Labour Court shall give notice in writing to the appellant and the other party to the appeal.

(5) Where a reference or appeal is struck out under this section, no further proceedings may be taken in relation to that reference or appeal; but nothing in this section prevents any person from making a further reference in relation to the same matters (subject to any applicable time limit).

(6) In this section “the complainant”, “the respondent” and “the respondents” have the same meanings as in section 77, 85 or 86 according to the nature of the reference concerned.

Annotations

Amendments:

F195

Substituted and inserted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 44(a) and (b), commenced on enactment.

F196

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

Modifications (not altering text):

C54

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 103

Provisions relating to insolvency.

103

103.(1) There shall be included among the debts which, under section 285 of the Companies Act, 1963, are, in the distribution of the assets of a company being wound up, to be paid in priority to all other debts, all relevant compensation payable F197[under this Part or section 44 of the Act of 2015 in accordance with section 83] by the company, and that Act shall have effect accordingly, and formal proof of the debts to which priority is given under this subsection shall not be required except in cases where it may otherwise be provided by rules made under that Act.

(2) There shall be included among the debts which, under section 81 of the Bankruptcy Act, 1988, are, in the distribution of the property of a bankrupt or arranging debtor, to be paid in priority to all other debts, all relevant compensation payable F197[under this Part or under section 44 of the Act of 2015 in accordance with section 83] by the bankrupt or arranging debtor, as the case may be, and that Act shall have effect accordingly, and formal proof of the debts to which priority is given under this subsection shall not be required except in cases where it may otherwise be provided by general orders made under that Act.

(3) For the purposes of this section “relevant compensation” means sums ordered to be paid by way of redress by virtue of—

(a) F198[]

(b) a decision F199[] under section 79(6) (including that provision as applied by section 85(2)),

F197[(c) a decision under section 44 of the Act of 2015 to which section 83 applies.]

(d) F198[]

(4) In the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act, 1984, section 6 (which provides for certain amounts to be paid out of the Social Insurance Fund) shall be amended in accordance with subsections (5) and (6).

(5) At the end of subsection (2)(a)(viii)(II) there shall be inserted “or (III) which an employer is required to pay by virtue of a decision, determination or order of a court falling within section 103(3) of the Employment Equality Act, 1998,”.

(6) In subsection (4)(c), after subparagraph (v) there shall be inserted—

“(vi) A payment shall not be made under this section in respect of an amount to which a decision or determination under any provision of the Employment Equality Act, 1998, applies unless—

(I) in case an appeal from the decision or determination is brought under that Part, the appeal is withdrawn, or

(II) in case there is no such appeal, the time for bringing such an appeal has expired.”.

Annotations

Amendments:

F197

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(n)(i), (ii) and (iv), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F198

Deleted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (15/2015), s. 83(1)(n)(iii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F199

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 33(a) and (b), commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C55

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Editorial Notes:

E80

Previous affecting provision: subs. (3)(d) amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. para. 33(b), commenced on enactment; substituted as per F-note above.

Section 104

Special provision as to Defence Forces.

104

104.(1) Save as provided for by section 77(10), nothing in this Part shall enable a member of the Defence Forces to refer any case relating to employment as a member of the Defence Forces to the F200[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] F201[] or the Circuit Court or to exercise any other power conferred by the preceding provisions of this Part.

(2) If requested to do so by an officer, within the meaning of the Defence Act, 1954, who is authorised in that behalf, the F200[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall—

(a) investigate any matter which has been complained of in accordance with section 114 of that Act and which, apart from this section, would be a matter within the scope of an investigation by the F200[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] F201[] under this Part or of proceedings before the Circuit Court under section 77(3), and

(b) make a recommendation in respect of that matter to the officer concerned.

(3) A recommendation under subsection (2)(b) shall be in writing and shall include a statement of the reasons why the F200[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] made the recommendation and, in deciding what action is to be taken on the complaint, regard shall be had to the recommendation.

(4) The F200[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] shall give a copy of any recommendation made under subsection (2)(b) to the member of the Defence Forces who made the complaint which gave rise to the recommendation.

Annotations

Amendments:

F200

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015, s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).

F201

Deleted (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 46 and sch. paras. 34 and 35, commenced on enactment.

Modifications (not altering text):

C56

Application of section extended with modifications by Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990), s. 81J and sch. 4, as inserted (5.04.2004) by Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004), s. 22, S.I. No. 141 of 2004, as amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 24/2004), s. 66(3)(e), commenced on enactment.

Application of Employment Equality Act 1998.

81J.—(1) In this section "the Act of 1998" means the Employment Equality Act 1998.

(2) Sections 74, [76, 77A], 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 86 to 104 of the Act of 1998 shall, where appropriate, apply in relation to this Part as they apply in relation to that Act but with the following modifications.

(3) Those modifications are that for the words set out in column (3) of the Fourth Schedule at a particular reference number, being words appearing in a section or sections of the Act of 1998 specified in column (2) of that Schedule at that reference number, there shall be substituted in the place or, as the case may be, each place where those words occur in that section or sections the words set out in column (4) of that Schedule at that reference number.

Section 105

Amendment of Industrial Relations Act, 1990.

105

105.The Industrial Relations Act, 1990, is hereby amended—

(a) in section 9 (application of provision of Part II of that Act), by the substitution in subsection (4) for “an equality officer” of “the F202[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission]”,

(b) in section 25 (functions of the Labour Relations Commission)—

(i) by the deletion, in subsection (1), of paragraph (e), and

(ii) by the deletion, in subsection (8), of “section 8(2) of the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974, or”,

(c) by the deletion of section 37 (equality officers), and

(d) in section 42 (codes of practice), by the substitution in subsection (4) for “a rights commissioner or an equality officer” of “the F202[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or a rights commissioner”.

Annotations

Amendments:

F202

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015.

Editorial Notes:

E81

Previous affecting provision: paras. (a) and (d) amended (18.07.2004) by Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), s. 45, commenced on enactment; substituted as per F-note above.

Section 106

F203[Transitional provision.

106

106.(1) This section applies to a claim for redress under a repealed enactment

(a) which is made on or after the commencement of Part VII (the "commencement date"), and

(b) which relates

(i) only to conduct before the commencement date, or

(ii) to conduct both before and after that date.

(2) In this section

"commencement date" means the 18th day of October, 1999;

"conduct" means conduct alleged to have occurred;

"repealed enactment" means the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974, or the Employment Equality Act, 1977.

(3) A claim for redress to which this section applies shall

(a) as regards the substance of the claim

(i) if or in so far as the claim relates to conduct before the commencement date, be dealt with as if the enactment concerned had not been repealed, and

(ii) in so far as it may relate to conduct after that date, be dealt with under this Act,

and

(b) in all other respects, be dealt with as if it were a claim under section 77.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)

(a) the claim concerned shall be referred or brought to the F204[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission], the Labour Court or the Circuit Court, as appropriate, and

(b) Part VII shall apply in relation to it, with the modification that sections 76 and 82 shall not apply in relation to a case referred to in paragraph (a)(i) of that subsection and with any other necessary modifications.

(5) A claim for redress under a repealed enactment which is pending on the commencement date shall, if the conduct to which it relates also occurs after that date, be treated as if it were a claim for redress to which this section applies, and accordingly subsections (3) and (4) shall apply in relation to it.

(6) A decision or determination on a claim for redress referred to in this section may, and at the request of the claimant shall, where appropriate, specify separate findings in relation to conduct before and after the commencement date.

(7) The F204[Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission] or a person appointed under section 75(4)(a) to be an F204[adjudication officer] may exercise the powers of an F204[adjudication officer] under a repealed enactment.

(8) This section shall be deemed to have come into operation on the commencement date.]

Annotations

Amendments:

F203

Inserted (18.10.1999) by Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000), s. 47, S.I. No. 351 of 2000 and subs. (8).

F204

Substituted (1.10.2015) by Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015), s. 83(1)(c)(i), (ii), S.I. No. 410 of 2015, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).


Number 21 of 1998


EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY ACT 1998

REVISED

Updated to 2 September 2024


About this Revised Act

This Revised Act presents the text of the Act as it has been amended since enactment, and preserves the format in which it was passed.

Related legislation

Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2021: this Act is one of a group of Acts included in this collective citation (Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021, s. 7(2)). The Acts in the group are:

Employment Equality Act 1998 (21/1998)

Equality Act 2004 (24/2004), Part 2

Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007 (27/2007), insofar as it relates to the previous two Acts

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), Part 16

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011), ss. 18 to 26

Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015), ss. 3 to 11

Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 (20/2021), ss. 2 to 4

Annotations

This Revised Act is annotated and includes textual and non-textual amendments, statutory instruments made pursuant to the Act and previous affecting provisions.

An explanation of how to read annotations is available at

www.lawreform.ie/annotations.

Material not updated in this revision

Where other legislation is amended by this Act, those amendments may have been superseded by other amendments in other legislation, or the amended legislation may have been repealed or revoked. This information is not represented in this revision but will be reflected in a revision of the amended legislation if one is available.

Where legislation or a fragment of legislation is referred to in annotations, changes to this legislation or fragment may not be reflected in this revision but will be reflected in a revision of the legislation referred to if one is available.

A list of legislative changes to any Act, and to statutory instruments from 1972, may be found linked from the page of the Act or statutory instrument at

www.irishstatutebook.ie.

Acts which affect or previously affected this revision

Employment Permits Act 2024 (17/2024)

Workplace Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (29/2021)

Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 (20/2021)

Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Act 2016 (1/2016)

Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 (43/2015)

National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015 (22/2015)

Workplace Relations Act 2015 (16/2015)

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (25/2014)

Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014 (16/2014)

Education and Training Boards Act 2013 (11/2013)

Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 (13/2012)

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 (23/2011)

Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 (10/2011)

Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (24/2010)

Merchant Shipping Act 2010 (14/2010)

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008)

Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007 (27/2007)

Equality Act 2004 (24/2004)

Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (9/2004)

Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 (33/2004)

Redundancy Payments Act 2003 (14/2003)

Equal Status Act 2000 (8/2000)

Parental Leave Act 1998 (30/1998)

Pensions Act 1990 (25/1990)

All Acts up to and including Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 (30/2024), enacted 23 July 2024, were considered in the preparation of this revision.

Statutory instruments which affect or previously affected this revision

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 20A) (Gender Pay Gap Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 259 of 2024)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 12) (Reservation of Vocational Training Places) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 405 of 2023)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 20A) (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 264 of 2022)

Disability, Equality, Human Rights, Integration and Reception (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 436 of 2020)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 12) (Reservation of Vocational Training Places) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 260 of 2018)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Withdrawal of Certain Claims) (Relevant Date) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 126 of 2016)

Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011 (section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 288 of 2013)

Equality Tribunal (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 531 of 2012)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Code of Practice) (Harassment) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 208 of 2012)

Finance (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 418 of 2011)

Equality, Integration, Disability and Human Rights (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (S.I. No. 139 of 2011)

Equality, Integration, Disability and Human Rights (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 217 of 2010)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 251 of 2008)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2003 (S.I. No. 319 of 2003)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Code of Practice) (Harassment) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 78 of 2002)

European Communities (Burden of Proof in Gender Discrimination Cases) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 337 of 2001)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2000 (S.I. No. 216 of 2000)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 76 Right to Information) Regulations 1999 (S.I. No. 321 of 1999)

Employment Equality Act 1998 (Commencement) Order 1999 (S.I. No. 320 of 1999)

All statutory instruments up to and including Employment Permits Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 443 of 2024), made 28 August 2024, were considered in the preparation of this revision.