Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Too often the Government is criticised for not being proactive. The amalgamation of the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority is a positive step forward. It creates synergies and efficiencies that will create a strong, dynamic organisation that will ensure issues relating to human rights and equality are at the forefront of political discourse and that actions will be taken, as opposed to there being just words, in order that we will have a much more tolerant and equal society.

An issue has arisen which I wish to bring to the Minister's attention. I do not expect her to respond to it today because she probably is not in a position to do so, but there is a situation in Clare County Council in respect of the Equality Tribunal. There are hundreds of what I consider to be vexatious claims to the Equality Tribunal and, unfortunately, it is costing hundreds of thousands of euro to prepare responses to all of them. They have all been dismissed, but dozens are coming in every week. I understand a ministerial order or regulation can be introduced to deal with vexatious claims to the Equality Tribunal. Perhaps the Minister might take note of this issue and refer back to me at a future time with her thoughts on it.