In light of the recent Workplace Relations Commissions ruling against Minister of State for Training and Skills John Halligan T.D. regarding illegal interview questions, it is important to consider the “do’s” and “don’ts” of job interviews.
Under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2004, there are nine clear grounds of discrimination: age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, race, religion and membership of the travelling community. A question posed by the interviewer that falls under any of the aforementioned grounds during a job interview is prohibited. Many companies, and evidently State Departments, have found this out the hard way.
All employers should be aware that questions referring to any of the nine grounds for discrimination need to be avoided during the application and interview stage. While such questioning may seem innocent in nature, beware they come with serious repercussions.