People of black ethnicity in Republic report highest level of discrimination
A report has found that people of black ethnicity living in the Republic of Ireland have reported the highest rates of discrimination.
The research, by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Equality Authority, said they experienced it while seeking work.
It also happened in many service settings.
The report said in 2010, 12% of those adults said they had suffered discrimination in the past two years.
The results were based on new analysis of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Quarterly National Household Survey: Equality Module 2010, which asked adults about their experience of discrimination in a range of different situations.
Other findings include:
- Women are more likely to experience discrimination than men, particularly in the workplace
- Adults in the 45-64 year old group are more likely to report work-related discrimination, specifically when seeking employment
- People with a disability are more likely to report discrimination in services, particularly in health and transport
- Only one in ten of those experiencing discrimination took formal or legal action in response
Renee Dempsey, chief executive of the Equality Authority, said: "Discrimination remains an enormous challenge to Irish society.
"We need to strengthen our commitment to equality in Ireland as a key element of our strategy for economic recovery."
She also highlighted that: "It remains the case that those most at risk of discrimination are least likely to know their rights.
"This research shows that knowing your rights makes a real difference and addressing this issue will be a particular challenge to the new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission "