Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am only repeating the current process, which is in private. That is the way it has worked and it has worked very successfully. I do not feel the need to change it, but I am making sure that if this is not satisfactory and the matter is appealed, there is a right to have the case heard in public. Moreover, at the appellate stage, it will be held in public, which is in accordance with best practice under the European Convention on Human Rights. The use of a rights commissioner is an informal process. It is not a highly legalistic process and has worked well in private. However, it leaves both parties with the right of appeal and if the case is appealed, the issues at stake will be discussed in public. It is working well and should be left to work in the way it has done.