We need to ascertain if Gresham Hotel is in breach of Equality Legislation
A motion calling for DCC to seek legal advice, including from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, to ascertain if the Gresham Hotel is in breach of Equality legislation was passed at the Council’s Housing meeting this evening.
The motion tabled by Cllr Alison Gilliland also condemned the actions of the Gresham in ceasing to provide accommodation for homeless families.
Cllr Gilliland said:
“The owners of the Gresham Hotel took a deliberate decision to cease providing rooms to homeless families and it’s imperative to ascertain whether or not this is in breach of the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015. This legislation established ‘housing assistance’ as a discriminatory ground with regard to the provision of accommodation and related services and amenities.
“Dublin City Council pays the market rate for these hotel rooms and as far as I know no other guests were asked to leave. This would suggest discrimination to me.
“While I understand that DCC needs to work closely with hotels to provide emergency accommodation we have a responsibility to call out malpractice. The rights of our most vulnerable and their non-discrimination must be protected particularly when it comes to putting a roof over their heads.”