Employment Equality Law in Ireland: Protected Grounds and Your Rights (2026)
Irish employment equality law prohibits discrimination in the workplace on nine specific grounds. If you have been treated less favourably at work because of who you are, rather than because of your performance or conduct, you may have a claim under the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015. This guide explains the law, the protected grounds, and how to take action.
The Nine Protected Grounds
Discrimination in employment in Ireland is prohibited on the following nine grounds:
- Gender: Including pregnancy and maternity
- Civil status: Single, married, separated, divorced, widowed, in a civil partnership
- Family status: Responsibility for a child or dependent person
- Sexual orientation: Gay, lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual
- Religion: Any religious belief, lack of religious belief, or background
- Age: Applies to those aged 18 and over (upper age limit for retirement ages remains contested)
- Disability: Physical, intellectual, sensory, mental health conditions
- Race: Including colour, nationality, ethnic, or national origin
- Membership of the Traveller community
Types of Discrimination
- Direct discrimination: Being treated less favourably than a comparable person because of a protected ground
- Indirect discrimination: A seemingly neutral provision, criterion, or practice that puts people with a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage
- Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected ground that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
- Sexual harassment: Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature
- Victimisation: Being penalised for making or supporting an equality complaint
Where Does Equality Law Apply?
The Employment Equality Acts cover all aspects of employment including:
- Recruitment and selection
- Pay and conditions
- Promotion and training
- Working conditions and work environment
- Dismissal
Reasonable Accommodation for Disability
Employers are legally required to take appropriate measures to accommodate a person with a disability — unless doing so would impose a disproportionate burden on the employer. This might include adjusting working hours, providing specialist equipment, or modifying the physical workspace.
How to Make an Equality Complaint
Equality complaints are heard by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). You must submit your complaint within 6 months of the most recent act of discrimination (extendable to 12 months in exceptional circumstances). The WRC can award up to 2 years’ remuneration in discrimination cases.
Experiencing discrimination at work? Book a 30-minute consultation with one of our employment solicitors — fixed fee, confidential, and fast. Also see our unfair dismissal guide and workplace bullying and harassment guide.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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