Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 6

Written Answers. - Court Staff.

Seán Ryan

Question:

267 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the case of a person (details supplied) taken under the Employment Equality Act, 1977; and the reason for the delay in the hearing. [7066/00]

Seán Ryan

Question:

268 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the claim of alleged discrimination against a male clerical officer (details supplied) currently employed in the Metropolitan District Court. [7067/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.

The case raised by the Deputy involves two agencies under the aegis of my Department, the Office of the Director of Equality Investigations and the Courts Service. I understand that the matter is now being considered by the Office of the Director of Equality Investigations.

As equality officers are independent in the performance of their functions under the Employment Equality Act, 1977, it would not be appropriate for me to inquire into any case which may or may not be under investigation by an equality officer. Furthermore, the Employment Equality Act, 1998, which came into force on 18 October 1998 and replaces the 1977 Act, provides that the Director of Equality Investigations, equality mediation officers and equality officers shall be independent in the performance of their functions.

Accordingly, I cannot make any further comment on the matter.