Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 604: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite the hearing of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19237/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Equality Tribunal is an independent statutory office set up under the Employment Equality Act 1998, with its remit extended under the Equality Act 2004, to investigate and mediate complaints pertaining to employment and the provision of goods and services.

The Director of the Equality Tribunal, her equality officers and equality mediation officers are independent in the performance of their duties. Once a case has been determined by the tribunal, the complainant or respondent involved may appeal against the decision to the Circuit Court or to the Labour Court in an employment case.

In light of the independent role of the tribunal in investigating-mediating complaints, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on or intervene in any way in an individual case.