A man who claims he was better qualified than a woman who was offered a place on a postgraduate social work course is to ask the High Court to assist him in proving he was discriminated against on the grounds of gender.
Patrick Kelly, of Deansrath Avenue, Clondalkin, Co Dublin, is appealing a decision of the President of the Circuit Court, Mr Justice Matthew Deery, denying him access to documents he says are vital to prove his case.
Mr Kelly (28), a teacher, told the Circuit Civil Court yesterday he needed records of selection interviews for the course he alleges he was wrongly denied by University College Dublin.
Judge Deery not only disagreed but also awarded costs of the discovery application against Mr Kelly.
Following his unsuccessful application Mr Kelly said he would appeal both orders to the High Court.
Mr Kelly claims only a few men were selected for the course and asserts he was better qualified than at least the least qualified woman applicant offered a place on the course.
The director of the equality tribunal has already decided against Mr Kelly's discrimination complaint under the Equal Status Act. His appeal to the Circuit Civil Court against the director's decision is due to be heard in June.