Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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519. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time for an equality tribunal hearing to be heard. [23721/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy should note that as of 1 January 2013 the responsibility for the Equality Tribunal was transferred to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation as part of the ongoing reform of the State's employment rights and industrial relations structures. The Equality Tribunal is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and has jurisdiction to investigate and decide upon complaints of discrimination under the Employment Equality Acts, the Equal Status Acts and the Pensions Acts. The Equality Tribunal also provides a statutory mediation service. The Equality Tribunal is one of the front-line services directly affected by the current turbulence in the labour market. I am informed that the average waiting time for a hearing at the Equality Tribunal is approx. 129 weeks. However, in cases where the complainant and respondent opt for mediation, a mediation hearing is arranged in less than 3 months of initial lodgement of the complaint. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation believes it is essential that there are efficient and effective mechanisms to develop harmonious and productive workplaces and to assist employers and employees to avoid and resolve disputes. I understand that Minister Bruton proposes to establish a two-tier Workplace Relations structure. This means that from next year two statutorily independent bodies will replace the current five. There will be a new single body of first instance to be called the Workplace Relations Commission and a separate appeals body, which will effectively be an expanded Labour Court. All complaints will be dealt with by a single body of first instance where the aim will be to have a hearing within three months from the time the case is lodged.