Equality body reports doubling of race discrimination claims

The Equality Tribunal has reported a doubling in the number of complaints against employers for racial discrimination.

The tribunal’s annual report for 2003 showed that 85 such complaints were made last year, compared to 45 in 2002.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Justice Minister Michael McDowell said rejected suggestions that the recent citizenship referendum could lead to an increase in race discrimination claims.

“Bringing our law into line with international norms in the European Union has nothing to do with equality or inequality,” he said.