The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods and services, accommodation and education. The Acts cover nine grounds of equality, including that of disability. In addition, the Acts prohibit discrimination in the provision of accommodation services against people who are in receipt of rent supplement, housing assistance, or social welfare payments.
The Acts provide recourse to an individual who feels they have been discriminated against and advice on rights and obligations and taking complaints under the Equal Status Acts is provided to the public by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission which can take strategic litigation on issues involving discrimination.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the independent body responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination under the Equal Status Acts.
The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 are currently being reviewed by my Department alongside the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and legislative proposals arising from the review will be brought forward this year.