Relevant Irish and European Legislation
Irish Legislation
Discrimination against individuals with disabilities is prohibited under the following pieces of Irish legistation: the Equal Status Act, 2000, which specifically prohibits discrimination at an 'educational establishment' in Section 7, and the Employment Equality Act, 1998, in which vocational training is identified as one of the grounds on which discrimination is prohibited. Further information can be obtained from the following sources:
- The website of The Equality Authority explains the legislation and the role of the The Equality Authority in promoting and defending the rights established by the legislation.
- The Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD) has produced a useful document entitled "The Equal Status Act, 2000, Students with Disabilities and Higher Education: A Brief Guide." The guide briefly describes who is protected, what is required from higher education institutions and their staff, and what options for redress are available to students who may have been discriminated against. A copy of this document can be obtained by contacting the office of AHEAD.
- A Guide to Irish Law including full text of legislation, e.g. Equal Status Act 2000, Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, are available on the Irish Law site, hosted by UCC Law Faculty.
- Consultation Document (NI) - A consultation document on the application of Special Educational Needs and Disability legislation in the Northern Ireland context.
European Legislation
The EU has committed to ensuring that all member states introduce non-discrimination legislation on a National basis, by means of Council Directive 2000/78/EC. A link to the text of this Directive (in PDF format), as well as general discussion on non-discrimination policy issues, can be found at the following site:
European Disability Forum - working "to ensure a proper implementation at national level of the EU directive on equal treatment in employment and occupation."
EUR-LEX - "The Portal to European Union Law". Contains current legislation, treaties, the Official Journal as well as legislation in preparation. Note, for instance, the following Council Resolutions -
- 2003/C 175/01: on promoting the employment and social integration of people with disabilities.
- 2003/C 39/03: 'eAccessibility' - improving the access of people with disabilities to the knowledge based society.
- 2003/C 134/04: on equal opportunities for pupils and students with disabilities in education and training.
also, European Parliament and Council Directive:
- 2001/29/EC: on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society. Note paragraphs (34) and (43), and Art. 5.3(b).
Barcelona Declaration Project - This Institute for Design and Disability site contains full details of the Declaration, initiated by the European Congress, as well as discussion on the subject and related legislation, from an Irish perspective.
SWANDS project (UK) - "SENDA Compliance in Higher Education - an audit and guidance tool for accessible practice within the framework of teaching and learning." A very useful guidance document for the implementation of SENDA UK [Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act 2001], produced by SWANDS (South West Academic Network for Disability Support). (pdf Format).
Last Updated: 06-Feb-2004
