The Workplace Relations Commission rejected a race discrimination complaint against Cork City Council over its refusal of an enhanced Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) top-up. The decision was dated 2 January 2024.
Eric Okunola, who received HAP while renting privately, said the council refused the additional payment because of his race. The council said he did not meet the scheme’s criteria, which it applied to all applicants regardless of race. Its assessment considered the applicant’s social housing entitlement, income and any disclosed health or medical issues. The adjudicator found that Okunola had not established a prima facie case of discrimination and that the council had not engaged in prohibited conduct under the Equal Status Acts.