Navy women complain of discrimination

THE Equality Authority has warned the Navy it must introduce more family-friendly policies after women sailors complained they were being discriminated against.

In a letter to the commander of the Navy, the Equality Authority said it had been contacted by a number of women who complained of discrimination on the grounds of gender and family status.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Irish Examiner, said: “It is of particular concern to the women that there are no proper procedures in place to deal with childcare issues. A number of women have felt harassed and intimidated by being called in continually by management and pressurised to return to sea.”