Age discrimination continues to be a significant problem in Ireland, with age being the grounds for a substantial proportion of complaints processed by the Equality Authority last year. 

Age was the grounds for 23% of complaints under the Equal Status Act processed by the Authority last year, and 17% of cases under the  Employment Equality Act, according to the Equality Authority’s Annual Report 2011, published today. 

“The fact that complaints on grounds of age were the second largest category of cases under the Equal Status Act and the third largest when it comes to employment equality, shows the challenges which we face if Ireland is to become a truly age-friendly society,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said. 

The national charity for older people praised the huge contribution which the Equality Authority had made to challenging age discrimination. “The authority has been fearless in supporting the rights of all who are protected by Ireland’s equality legislation, and we hope the new organisation, following the merger of the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority, will continue this essential task with the same vigor,” Mr Timmins said.  The Equality Authority is in the process of being merged with the Irish Human Rights Commission. 

Age Action welcomes the fact that age features so prominently among the cases processed by the Equality Authority last year.  “While it continues to be a cause for concern that employers and service providers discriminate on grounds of age, it is encouraging that significant numbers of older people are now challenging this behaviour and are using the laws which are there to protect them,” Mr Timmins added. 

FOR MEDIA QUERIES CONTACT EAMON TIMMINS, HEAD OF ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS, AGE ACTION, 01-4756989 OR 087-9682449.