Racial Incidents

The number of reports to Gardaí of racially motivated incidents is increasing. In 2003/2004 the Garda Síochána recorded 453 incidents. On 1st January 1995 An Garda Síochána introduced a racial incident monitoring policy outlining how Gardaí should respond to racially motivated incidents. Ethnic Liaison Officers were trained to provide specific support and advice to victims of racial incidents.

The Equal Status Act 2000

The Equal Status Act 2000 promoted equality and prohibits certain kinds of discrimination regarding people who:

o Buy goods;

o Use services and facilities;

o Obtain accommodation; and

o Attend educational establishments

Article 3(2) (a) to (i) of the Equal Status Act 2000 outlines the nine grounds of discrimination as follows:

o Age;

o Disability;

o Family Status;

o Gender;

o Marital Status;

o Membership of the Traveller community;

o Race;

o Religious Belief; and

o Sexual Orientation

Under the Equal Status Act 2000 the Gardaí do not have any specific powers or responsibilities; however, they may act as witnesses to the incident, and offer advice to those involved of their rights under the Act. Under no circumstances should they allow themselves to be used by the parties involved in a manner outside the framework of the Act.

The Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004

o Promote equality.

o Prohibit discrimination (with some exemptions) across nine grounds (listed below).

o Prohibit sexual harassment and harassment.

o Prohibit victimisation.

o Require appropriate measures for people with disabilities in relation to access, participation and training in employment.

o Allow positive action measures to ensure full equality in practice across the following nine grounds:

o Gender

o Marital status

o Family status

o Sexual orientation

o Religion

o Age

o Disability

o Race

o Membership of the Traveller community