New figures from the Equality Tribunal show that a record number of people used its service last year.
According to its annual report, over 1,600 individuals claimed to the tribunal that they had been discriminated against in 2005.
The Equality Tribunal is an independent body set up to decide on complaints of discrimination.
Last year it dealt with a total 1,631 cases, a rise of 31% when compared to 2004. 400 of those cases were work related.
Gender remains the main ground for referral, making up 22% of claims, while 21% of cases related to those who said they were discriminated against because of race.
The number of Equal Status cases, that is alleging discrimination in access to goods or services, also increased with 20% claiming they were discriminated against because of their disability.
