Know Your Rights

In Ireland, equality law protects you from discrimination based on your identity. The identity groups that are protected under Irish equality law are sometimes called the ‘nine grounds’.

These grounds are:

When we talk about equality law in Ireland, this means two different pieces of legislation: the Equal Status Acts and the Employment Equality Acts. Both laws provide protection on the basis of the nine grounds listed above.

Getting more information and support

Each of the below organisations are dedicated to making sure that people’s right to equality and non-discrimination is protected in Ireland.

Ombudsman for Children’s Office

What is the Ombudsman for Children’s Office?

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is a human rights body that promotes the rights and welfare of young people under 18 years of age living in Ireland. They investigate complaints about services provided to children by public organisations. This includes schools, hospitals, government departments and direct provision.

What is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)?

Ireland signed up the UNCRC in 1992 and in doing so, recognised that children under the age of 18 are ‘rights-holders’ and that their rights should be protected, respected and made real.

Learn more about the UNCRC on the Ombusman for Children’s website here

Who can make a complaint?

Anyone under the age of 18 can complain to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. Family members and adults working with children, like teachers and social workers, can also make a complaint on a child’s behalf.

How do I make a complaint?

Learn more about complaints on the Ombudsman for Children’s website here, and access their complaints form here.

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC)

What is IHREC?

IHREC is Ireland’s national human rights and equality institution. They can give legal information and assistance if you have been discriminated against.

Who can get in touch?

Anyone who thinks they have experienced discrimination because of their gender (including being trans or non-binary), sexual orientation, family status, age, religious belief, membership of the Traveller community, race, or disability can contact IHREC for information about their rights.

How do I find out more?

Learn more about legal information on IHREC’s website here, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child here, and find out how to get in touch here.

Garda Ombudsman (GSOC)

What is GSOC?

GSOC is an independent body that deals with complaints of possible misconduct by members of An Garda Síochána.

Who can make a complaint?

You can make a complaint for yourself, for someone else with their permission, or about an event you saw take place.

How do I make a complaint?

Learn more about complaints on GSOC’s website here, and access their complaints form here.

Further supports: