A new law aimed at combatting discrimination came into effect today, making Ireland compliant with all EU directives on the issue, according to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr McDowell.
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr McDowell
He said the Equality Act would "facilitate our ongoing efforts to eradicate discrimination from both the workplace and society at large."
This Act will better facilitate access to redress where cases of discrimination are encountered" said the Minister.
The Act also amends the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000.
In employment terms, the main amendments extend the terms of the Act to the self-employed and those employed in private households. Workers under the age of 18 and over the minimum school leaving age and over 65s are also now covered.
Provision has also been made for claims of unfair dismissal on discrimination grounds to be transferred from the Labour Court to the Equality Tribunal.
The main amendments to the Equal Status Act, 2000 are includes shifting the burden of proof from the complainant to the respondent once a prima faciecase has been established.