27
FLAC ANNUAL REPORT 2009
A R E A S
O F
W O R K
to change the law. In October 2009, the Coalition Government said in its Renewed Programme for Government that it would introduce legislation to recognise transgendered persons. FLAC continues to await developments. Right to serve on juries: In 2006, FLAC issued proceedings on behalf of Joan Clarke, a deaf woman who had been prevented from serving on a jury (Joan Clarke v. Galway County Registrar, 2006/1338JR). Deaf persons serve on juries throughout the US and in a number of other countries. The case was heard in the High Court in May/June 2008 and Ms Clarke is still waiting for judgment. FLAC continues to press for judgment to be delivered. Disability Rights: FLAC represented a disabled man who is confined to a wheelchair in a case before the Equality Tribunal. FLAC's client complained that he had been harassed by Iarnrod Eireann staff when travelling to and from Dublin (William Hennessy v. Network Catering/Iarnrod Eireann, DEC-S2009 – 029). The Tribunal upheld his complaint and ordered Iarnrod Eireann to pay compensation and to train their staff in the requirements of the Equal Status Acts. It also ordered them to display notices on trains saying that passengers with disabilities are welcomed by Iarnrod Eireann and are protected by the Equal Status Acts. The notices had not been displayed as this report went to press. FLAC also represented this client in a complaint to the Equality Tribunal that he had been placed in unfit accommodation by a local authority. The case was heard over two days in September and November 2009 and a decision is awaited.
Lydia Foy pictured with FLAC Senior Solicitor Michael Farrell.