More than £1 million (€1.1 million) was paid out to victims of discrimination in Northern Ireland last year, it was revealed today.
Of the 103 cases where money was paid to claimants, around a third were taken on the grounds of disability discrimination (38), according to the Equality Commission’s annual review.
Twenty-four were taken by victims of sex discrimination while only nine were based on claims of religious or political bias.
Cases were also taken on the grounds of race (5), age (3) and sexual orientation (2).
The figures relate to the cases that were supported by the Equality Commission during 2007/08.
Eileen Lavery, head of strategic enforcement at the commission, said: “The review should help people understand the variety of circumstances in which discrimination may occur and the outcomes achieved for complainants by the Commission by way of settlement or case decision.
“Last year, we received over 3,000 legal inquiries about potential discrimination.
“Frequently, the individual concerned is able, with our advice, to find the resolution they would like. Those who cannot resolve their case informally may then make an application for assistance to the Commission to take their case forward to a legal hearing.”
Of the 103 cases resolved, 90 were settled before reaching a court or tribunal hearing.
Compensation totalling almost £1 million was paid to claimants as a result of these settlements and a further £71,000 as a result of court or tribunal decisions.
PA