A branch of Eddie Rockets in Cork has been ordered to pay €15,000 to two lesbian staff members for the effects of sexual harassment at work.

An Equality Tribunal ruling found the lesbian couple were subjected to a series of obscene remarks and questions about their relationship from another staff member.

The tribunal said management at the Blackpool branch of the restaurant failed to take sufficient steps to protect the women.

Davin Roche is Director of Workplace Diversity at the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) said "The decision shows how important it is to have an anti-harassment policy in place which clearly protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees".

"It is equally important to ensure that these policies are communicated to all".

In his ruling, the Director of the Equality Tribunal, Niall McCutcheon, stated "It is a duty on employers under the Acts to provide a workplace in which it is safe for lesbians and gay men to be open about their sexuality".

GLEN estimates there are approximately 170,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the workforce.

Irish research has found that 1/4 of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees surveyed had experienced verbal harassment on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity at some point in their careers.

"Clearly, it’s better for employers and employees to ensure that their workplaces are free from harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the first place" Roche added.