In January 2020, a deaf Complainant submitted a complaint of discrimination on the grounds of disability and sought redress under section 21 of the Equal Status Act 2000 (as amended) from the Respondent Bank, Permanent TSB. She alleged the Respondent bank had failed to provide her with reasonable accommodation when she tried to avail of its services. As a result of the Respondent’s blanket policy, the Complainant was treated differently and placed in a “vulnerable” category which she submitted was an affront to her dignity.

Summary of Complaint

The Complainant is deaf. At the hearing, she communicated her evidence and underwent cross-examination through the assistance of an Irish Sign Language (‘ISL’) Interpreter provided by the WRC. Evidence was also