Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent complaint lodged with the European Commission by the Equality and Rights Alliance that Ireland is in breach of EU equality laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31154/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that an ad-hoc group of non-governmental organisations has made a complaint to the European Commission about the level of Government funding for the Equality Authority.

The Commission has a mechanism for considering complaints from the general public of failure by a Member State to fulfil an obligation under Community law. It is a matter for the Commission in its own discretion to decide to commence proceedings on foot of a complaint. The individual complainant has no say in determining whether or not the Commission actually initiates proceedings against a Member State.

It would be inappropriate therefore for me to comment further at this stage, before the Commission has had an opportunity to consider the merits of the complaint.