Equality
Do we live in a fair society?
Equality is about everyone getting the same opportunities and being respected equally.
Ireland is still a long way from achieving that. The following are facts from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and NYCI:
- Ireland has one of the worst rates of child poverty in the EU.
- Poverty mainly hits minority groups such as the unemployed, Travellers, ethnic minorities, refugees and asylum seekers, older people living alone, people with disabilities, early school leavers and small farmers.
- Between 800 and 1,000 young people leave school after primary level and don’t have basic reading and writing skills.
- There are more golf courses than playgrounds in Ireland.
- There are high numbers of homeless people in Ireland, including hundreds of children.
- Less than half of young people aged 18-25 vote at election time.
- Owning a home isn’t possible for half of the young people aged 18-25 who are renting in Ireland.
- The legal situation for refugees in Ireland has been criticised for the lack of protection and fair appeals procedure.
- Foreigners working in Ireland often have poor working and living conditions.
- Older people are often stereotyped as not being able to learn new skills, old-fashioned and less productive.
The largest minority group in Ireland is the Traveller community.
- The Traveller community has a population of about 22,000 and many of them experience discrimination and stereotyping.
- About 1,200 Traveller families live on the roadside. They often don't have access to basic facilities like running water and toilets.
- Travellers have a life expectancy of 10 or 12 years less than the national average.
- Most Travellers don't live past 65.
- Most Travellers leave school at 15.
Find more information and support:
The Equality Authority
Web: www.equality.ie Email: info@equality.ie Locall 1890 245545
Provides information and advice on equality issues.
Citizens Information
Web: www.citizensinformation.ie
Tel: 01 605 9000
Provides comprehensive information on all aspects of public services and entitlements for citizens in Ireland.
Children’s Rights Alliance
Web: www.childrensrights.ie Email: info@childrensrights.ie
Tel: 01 662 9400
The overall aim of the Children's Rights Alliance is to secure the changes in legislation, policies and services required to ensure the implementation in Ireland of the principles and provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Irish Travellers Movement
Web: www.itmtrav.com/ Email: itmtrav@indigo.ie Tel: 01 679 65 77
The Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community.
GLEN
Web: www.glen.ie/ Email: admin@glen.ie Tel: 01 473 0563
GLEN – Gay and Lesbian Equality Network - works to achieve full equality and inclusion for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in Ireland, and protection from all forms of discrimination.
