OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF EQUALITY INVESTIGATIONS
Equal Status Act 2000
EQUALITY OFFICER'S DECISION NO: DEC-S2001-010
Robert & Mary Coffey, John & Margaret Quilligan, Francie & Bridget McCarthy
(Represented by Lees Solicitors)
-v-
The Blasket Public House
(Represented by Gerald Baily & Co, Solicitors)
File Nos ES/2001/61 - 66
Key words:Equal Status Act 2000 - Direct discrimination, section 3(1) - Membership of the Traveller community, section 3(2)(i) - Supply of goods and services, section 5(1) - Service in pubs - Establishment of a prima facie case - Risk of disorderly conduct, section 15(1) - Vintners' Age Card scheme - Action taken in good faith under Licensing Acts, section 15(2)
This dispute concerns complaints by Robert & Mary Coffey, John & Margaret Quilligan, Francie & Bridget McCarthy that they were discriminated against, contrary to the Equal Status Act 2000, by the management of the Blasket Public House, Tralee. The complainants maintain that they were discriminated against on the Traveller community ground in terms of sections 3(1) and 3(2)(i) of the Equal Status Act 2000 in not being provided with a service which is generally available to the public contrary to Section 5(1) of the Act.