Traveller Parents Settle Case Against Mid Ulster Council for £15,000

A couple settled a race case for £15,000. The case was against Mid Ulster District Council. Caroline Joyce and Noel Cawley received support. The Equality Commission helped them.

The parents are part of the Traveller community and had a baby registration appointment in May 2024 at a council office. They needed help with the form because they struggled with reading and writing and Mr. Cawley also has dyslexia.

A staff member refused to assist them, stating they don’t help anyone with paperwork. The parents felt the person’s attitude changed after hearing their accents and they had very little time to fill out the form or their appointment could be canceled.

Mr. Cawley tried using a phone app for help, but they were then asked to leave. Reception staff offered to help them later, but a staff member told them not to help.

The parents left the council offices upset, and Mr. Cawley forgot his phone. Returning to get it, a manager asked what had occurred.

The parents explained their experience to the manager and felt they were treated poorly because they are Travellers. The manager then filled out a complaints form.

The council contacted them the next day and offered another appointment at a different council office. An employee accompanied Caroline and Noel from the South Tyrone Empowerment Programme.

Their daughter’s birth was registered without issues, and the council upheld their complaint by letter. It concerned the access to services denied, staff member conduct and poor service, but the council did not mention unlawful bias.

Caroline Joyce said the treatment was awful, as they only wanted to register their baby. They thought registration helped with medical care and felt like second-class citizens.

Mary Kitson, from the Equality Commission, said it was upsetting for Caroline and Noel, and that baby registration is legally required, adding they deserved the right assistance.

Employers must teach their staff the law, making it illegal to offer unfair service due to someone’s race, and racial prejudice must face challenges.

“Complaints of unlawful biases require thorough investigation,” Ms. Kitson stated, adding “Action must prevent future incidents.”

Mid Ulster Council committed to equality, extending this commitment to services, goods, and facilities. The Council collaborates with the Equality Commission to further training and policies.

The Council apologized for the service offered and regrets the distress to the parents. The case settled without assuming legal responsibility.