PRACTICE DIRECTION IN RESPECT OF MATTERS REFERRED TO THE LABOUR COURT BY AN EQUALITY COURT IN TERMS OF REGULATION 6(7) OF THE REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE PROMOTION OF EQUALITY AND PREVENTION OF UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION ACT, 2000.

1. It is hereby directed that, when the Registrar receives a file relating to a matter referred to the Labour Court by an Equality Court, he or she shall open a file and allocate a case number to such matter and, thereafter, set the matter down for a direction hearing on notice to all parties. The notice of set down must make it clear to the parties that the purpose of the hearing is to enable the Judge presiding in the matter on the day of the hearing to issue directions as to the future conduct of the matter with a view to the facilitation of an expeditious adjudication thereof.

2. On the day of the direction hearing the Judge presiding in such a matter must issue directions as to the future conduct of the matter. This may be on any issue or issues which the presiding Judge may consider appropriate. If anyone of the parties or all parties are ordered or directed to take certain steps in regard to the matter, they must comply with such direction or order before the matter can proceed unless the Judge has ordered or directed otherwise or unless another Judge varies or withdraws such direction or order.

Judge President