Sir, - I refer to the report (The Irish Times, December 18th) concerning allegations that a man was requested to move his guide dog to another part of University Church, Stephen's Green, Dublin, during Mass. The incident as reported was apparently very distressing for the person concerned. There has long been a general recognition that guide dogs for the blind are obvious exceptions to rules set down in respect of other household pets by businesses, service providers and others.
It should be pointed out that the Equal Status Act, 2000, which came into operation on October 25th last, prohibits discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services (with some exceptions) on nine grounds including that of disability. Under the terms of the legislation, service providers, including providers of services which are free of charge, are required to make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities who use their services, provided the cost of doing so is not more than a nominal cost.
In the case of providing for guide dogs for the blind, there would appear to be no question of additional costs being incurred in ensuring that dogs and their handlers are made welcome and treated with courtesy and fairness.
People with disabilities have, among others, long experience of discrimination in the way in which services have been provided to them. The operation of Equal Status Act, 2000 now acknowledges their right, along with the other eight categories covered by the Act, to equality of treatment in the provision of all services. - Yours, etc.,
Niall Crowley, CEO, Equality Authority, Clonmel Street, Dublin 2.