Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010
473 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is any legislation in place that prevents financial institutions from discriminating against persons on age grounds in the provision of loans. [33140/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs is responsible for matters in relation to the Equal Status Acts 2000-2008.
I have been informed that those Acts prohibit discrimination on nine grounds, including that of age, in access to and in the supply of goods and services. This would include facilities for banking, insurance, grants, loans, credit or financing.
Differences in treatment on the grounds of age are permitted in annuities, pensions, insurance policies and other matters relating to risk assessments, but only if the differences are based on actuarial or statistical data or other relevant underwriting or commercial factors and are reasonable, having regard to the data or other relevant factors.
A person who feels that he or she has been discriminated against on the grounds of age in accessing financial services, contrary to the Equal Status Acts, may seek redress by referring the matter to the Equality Tribunal, at 3 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2. Information, advice and assistance in making a complaint may also be sought from the Equality Authority, through its Public Information Centre, Birchgrove House, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
