22 May 2001
CITIZENS RIGHTS MUST BE PROTECTED – FARREN
"Tribunals are playing a key role in protecting citizen’s rights," Dr Sean Farren, Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, has said.
Addressing delegates attending the 10th annual conference of the Council of Employment Tribunal Chairmen, which was held in Northern Ireland for the first time, Dr Farren said: "Fair and open access to employment and equity of treatment in the workplace is a basic right in any democratic society.
"Some 12 years ago, in response to political and religious difficulties associated with civil unrest, the Fair Employment Tribunal of Northern Ireland was established to deal with sectarian discrimination in the workplace.
"This has demonstrated to the community that sectarianism is not just morally unacceptable, but unlawful. I believe the Tribunal system has played a very important part in overcoming this what has proved to be a major obstacle to community development."
Referring to the ongoing work of the industrial tribunals together with the Fair Employment Tribunal, the Minister paid tribute to the judiciary, lay members and staff for the part they have played in helping maintain fair play in the workplace. He added: "My own commitment to the principle of fairness in the workplace is absolute. The tribunals play a major role in delivering this commitment and I want to ensure that they are adequately resourced to undertake the task.
"Over the next few months, my officials will be working with the tribunals to extend their capacity designed to reduce the backlog of cases, while at the same time implementing a major IT upgrade.
"These are real commitments to meet real needs. They will be delivered. I know the pressures that have arisen but believe we are now on course to address them.
"Northern Ireland tribunals, as well as my Department, are sending out a positive message.
"When devolution was achieved, one of the main tasks of the Northern Ireland Executive was to ensure that our public services were being run well. In under 18 months, we have agreed, and begun to implement a set of priorities which are designed to make a difference to everyone in Northern Ireland. Employment rights is one of those priorities," he said.
Media enquiries to Anne Morrow, Press Office, Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, on tel: (028) 9025 7831 or 0779 9711524.