NEW research has revealed that Irish Travellers are almost 10 times more likely to face discrimination when seeking work in Ireland than White Irish.
They were also 22 times more likely to experience discrimination in accessing private services, particularly in shops, pubs and restaurants.
The findings are the result of research carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
In a joint publication – Who Experiences Discrimination in Ireland? – they discovered that almost one-in-eight people in the country reported experiencing discrimination over the preceding two years.
The research also showed woman are twice as likely to face discrimination in the workplace than men, particularly in relation to issues of pay and promotion.
Ethnic minorities, disabled people and never-married lone parents also suffered higher levels of discrimination.
Black respondents were three times more likely to experience discrimination in the workplace and in accessing public services than White Irish respondents, and were over four times more likely to experience discrimination in accessing private services.
Disabled people meanwhile were more than twice as likely as those without a disability to experience discrimination in all areas – at work, in recruitment and in accessing public and private services.
Never-married lone parents were more likely to experience discrimination in public and private services than single childless adults.
Lead author of the report, Frances McGinnity of the ESRI, said: “Discrimination can be damaging to the individuals who experience it, in terms of their self-esteem, wellbeing and for their material outcomes such as their income and access to valued positions and services.
“There are also costs at a societal level. Discrimination in the labour market may be economically inefficient, as the skills of individuals are not effectively used.
“Discrimination can also undermine social cohesion. Monitoring and tackling discrimination is therefore an important issue for Irish society.”
