Equality Tribunal case: discrimination on the basis of age, religion and sexual orientation

The Equality Tribunal ruled in favour of a teacher in December 2014, whom they found to be discriminated against on the grounds of age, religion and sexual orientation.

The complainant (Ms. A) told the tribunal that she had qualified as a primary school teacher in 1987.  Due to the economic recession in Ireland she moved to the United States and lived there from 1990 to 2000 where she worked in the technology industry as well as completing her Master’s degree and further expanding her teaching skills through working as a Teaching Assistant in Boston College. She returned to Ireland in and lectured in UCC before returning to Primary teaching in 2002. She has been employed in the role of Deputy Principal by the respondent since 2003.

The deciding Equality Officer found that due to the significant difference in qualifications and experience between the two candidates, the successful candidate didn’t hold a primary teaching degree, and the fact that the respondent rated both candidates as equally qualified regardless of the apparent disparities, the complainant; Ms. A, had succeeded in establishing a case of discrimination on the grounds of age.

The deciding Equality Officer also found that a question asked by the interview board during Ms. A’s interview was unlawful on the grounds of sexual orientation.

The deciding Equality Officer found that the respondent discriminated against Ms. A on the grounds of age, religion and sexual orientation in terms of promotion to Principal at the respondent’s National School contrary to S. 8(1) of the Acts, which states that an employer will not discriminate against an employee or prospective employee. Ms. A was awarded one year’s salary which amounted to €54,000 in compensation for the effects of the discrimination she suffered.

Click here to read the full ruling by the Equality Tribunal.  

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