Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe Nos. 1178/92 and 1412/99 on the illegal activities of sects and cults in so far as such recommendations pertain to the justice area. [27789/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Any complaint of illegal activities will be investigated by An Garda Síochána and an investigation file submitted as appropriate to the Law Officers for their consideration.

The Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act 1991 gives effect in Irish law to (among other things) the European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions Concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children.

A robust and effective equality infrastructure has been developed in Ireland over the last number of years. Both direct and indirect discrimination on the ground of religion in the area of employment and in the provision of goods and services is prohibited by law. Moreover, the Equality Authority, which has a statutory function to work towards the elimination of discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity, may itself refer a matter to the Equality Tribunal for investigation where it appears to it that such discrimination is being generally practised against persons.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a religious organisation (details supplied) has gone on trial for organised fraud in France and that this could lead to the closure of that organisation there; if this church is regarded as a religion here. [27790/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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It would not be appropriate for me to comment on criminal proceedings before the courts in another jurisdiction. I have no function with regard to the recognition or otherwise of a religion.