Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
908 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the precise time period available to persons who wish to make a complaint to the Director of Equality Investigation under the Equality Acts, and in particular how the particular time period operates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2101/04]
View answerIn employment equality cases, other than those involving dismissal, a complainant must refer a complaint to the Office of the Director of Equality Investigations (ODEI — the equality tribunal) within six months of the alleged incident or within six months of the most recent of a series of such incidents. An extension of this period to twelve months may be granted where exceptional circumstances prevented referral within the normal period.
In equal status cases, the complainant must notify the respondent (discriminating party) of his or her intention to refer a complaint to the ODEI, within two months of the alleged act of discrimination for the complaint to be valid. If the complainant can show that there was an exceptional reason for failing to notify the respondent on time, the timeframe may be extended to four months. The claim for redress must then be lodged with the ODEI within a period of six months of the occurrence of the prohibited conduct, however, this period may be extended to twelve months in exceptional circumstances.
909 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of expenditure involved in dealing with security operations and the Provisional IRA over the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2172/04]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible in the time allowed to compile the requested information. I will be in contact with the Deputy shortly on the matter.
