3^rd August 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY WELCOMES EQUALITY TRIBUNAL DECISION ON CHILDREN

The Green Party has welcomed the decision by the Equality Tribunal to fine a restaurant that refused to serve a woman because she had her five month old baby with her.

The case was taken by Paola Shanahan against One Pico Restaurant on Molesworth Street in Dublin 2.

I am delighted that the Equality Tribunal ruled in favour of the mother and child, stated Green Party Justice and Equality Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe today. Restaurants can and should be made more family-friendly.

The restaurant was in breach of the Equal Status Act 2000. I hope that this sends out a clear message to the catering industry that families have equal rights in law.

Ends