About 50 cases of alleged discrimination on one of the nine grounds outlined in the new equality legislation are already in the pipeline for investigation, according to the Director of Equality Investigations, Ms Melanie Pine.
Ms Pine was speaking to journalists yesterday about the work of her office, set up under the Employment Equality Act passed last year. The office, along with that of the Equality Authority, was opened just over a month ago.
They will both deal with allegations of discrimination in employment on the grounds of gender, race, religion, marital and family status, disability, age and membership of the Traveller community. When the Equal Status Act is passed they will also deal with allegations of discrimination in the provision of goods and services.
The Equality Authority is the first port of call for many people who have a complaint. It will give them information and support, and assist them in bringing their complaint to the Office of Equality Investigations. That office may also receive referrals from trade unions or individuals.
According to Ms Pine, the Equality Authority has about 50 cases in hand which will, in due course, be referred to her office.
When a complaint is made the Director of Equality Investigations initiates an investigation, or in some cases mediation, through an equality officer or an equality mediation officer.
Where the director finds discrimination, she may order equal pay and up to three years' arrears, in an equal pay case, and in other cases equal treatment and compensation of up to two years' pay, or £10,000 where the person was not an employee.
Either party may appeal to the Labour Court. Non-compliance can be enforced through the Circuit Court.