Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Kirk for raising that point. The secretariat has taken note of it.

Petition No. P00025/14, relates to education, equality and justice. The petitioner is Mr. Siavash Sefidvash and Deputy Boyd Barrett is a supporting petitioner. In order to get an initial understanding of the issue at hand, we need to delve into the initial aspects of the case in order to decide how best to proceed with this petition.

The petitioner was a student in Blanchardstown Institute of Technology when he was assaulted. He reported this assault and claims he was advised to take no further action, which he did. He then realised he could no longer continue to study at the institute and decided to move to UCD where he experienced even harsher treatment. He feels the system currently in place in these institutes when dealing with complaints of bullying or discrimination are not sufficient.

He also disagrees with the manner in which the equality tribunals operate in Ireland, leaving individuals at a disadvantage as the colleges can engage the services of expert legal teams to argue their case, leaving the student taking the case at a major disadvantage. Do members wish to comment on this petition?