OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF EQUALITY INVESTIGATIONS
EQUALITY OFFICER'S DECISIONS: DEC-S2002-002/003
Kathleen & Joanne O'Brien
(Represented by Augustus Cullen & Son , Solicitors)
V
The Canada House Shop, Shankill
File No. ES/2001/170 &171
Date of Issue 31/01/2002
Keywords :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) - Admission to shop - Establishment of a prima facie case - Hypothetical comparator
This dispute concerns complaints by Kathleen and Joanne O' Brien that they were discriminated against, contrary to Sections 3(1) and 3(2)(i) of the Equal Status Act 2000, by the staff of Canada House, Shankill Shopping Centre on the grounds of their membership of the Traveller community. The complainants maintain that they were discriminated against in not being allowed avail of a service which is generally available to the public contrary to Section 5(1) of the Act.