Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Dowling and his colleagues. It was most interesting to listen to them. I thank them for the contribution they have made to employees and employers in Ireland over the years but it is time to innovate, improve and simplify the system for all sides. We should have one body dealing with initial complaints instead of numerous bodies. I disagree with the important point of time schedules for acknowledging complaints, arranging a review of the complaints and issuing decisions.

I am of the view that it would be better to deal with matters in private. Everything is media-driven - in the wrong way - in this country at present. Those in the media appear to be running the show and focusing on titillation and embarrassing people. I am of the view that the real issue which will arise in the context of the Minister's reforms will relate to whether the necessary staff, procedures and technology will be put in place in order to allow the new timetables to be adhered to. The target is that a hearing will take place within three months of a complaint being made. Will a modern, properly supported organisation be put in place to deal with all the complaints that will be made?

I thank Mr. Dowling for his extremely interesting presentation. The Employment Appeals Tribunal has contributed so much to the country and I thank our guests for their great public service.