A new report says 12% of adults have experienced discrimination.
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) study says the majority of incidents reported were work-related.
It also says people of Black ethnicity are almost 4-times more likely to report discrimination than White Irish people.
And the report says women are more likely to be discriminated against than men particularly in the workplace.
The highest rates of reported discrimination were in recruitment (6%) and in the workplace (5%).
In services, discrimination was highest for accessing housing (3%) and using financial services such as banks and insurance services (2.5%).
The report says that the lowest rates were for education (just over 1%), 'other public services' (just over 1%) and transport (0.4%).
The results are based on new analysis of the CSO 'Quarterly National Household Survey: Equality Module 2010' which asked Irish adults about their experience of discrimination in a range of different situations.
Other Key Findings
At Work and Accessing Services 2010
- Women are more likely to experience discrimination than men, particularly in the workplace. In services as a whole there is no difference between men and women, although women are more likely to experience discrimination in health and education and men in financial services.
- The 45-64 year old group is more likely to report work-related discrimination, specifically in seeking employment. They are also more likely to report that this had a serious impact on their lives.
- People with a disability are more likely to report discrimination in services, particularly in health and transport. They are also more likely to report serious discrimination.
- Asians and Other ethnic groups are more likely to report discrimination in both work and some services than White Irish, although less likely than the Black ethnic group.
- Only one in ten of those experiencing discrimination took formal or legal action in response. Those that did take action tended to be more economically secure and to have better knowledge of their rights.
Renee Dempsey is CEO of the Equality Authority.
"We need to strengthen our commitment to equality in Ireland as a key element of our strategy for economic recovery" she said.
She also highlighted "It remains the case that those most at risk of discrimination are least likely to know their rights. This research shows that knowing your rights makes a real difference and addressing this issue will be a particular challenge to the new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission".
Dr. Frances McGinnity is a Senior Research Officer at the ESRI.
She says people of Black ethnicity and those with a disability are more likely to report discrimination.
