The Equality Authority has made submissions in a case before the High Court involving an elderly Traveller couple in chronic ill-health.
The couple, who have been living in a decrepit mobile home for some 10 years, have asked the High Court for orders aimed at securing a heated caravan with indoor plumbing.
The Equality Authority is involved in the proceedings as amicus curiae- a role as assistant to the court on legal issues.
The authority has made submissions relating to the interpretation of the Equal Status Acts and the EU race directive and on issues relating to the provision of reasonable accommodation for disabled persons.
Paddy and Bridget Doherty, whose mobile home is located on a "temporary" halting site in west Dublin, claim they are being discriminated against as Travellers in that they have not been provided with appropriate accommodation.
In proceedings against South Dublin County Council, the Minister for the Environment and the State, they claim their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, the Equal Status Act, the Housing Acts and the Constitution are being breached.
They are seeking orders compelling the defendants to provide them with a centrally heated, insulated and internally plumbed caravan. The case resumes on Tuesday before Mr Justice Peter Charleton.The defendants have denied the claims. The county council has argued the human rights convention does not apply to the issues in the case.