An Equality Officer dismissed Jim and Winnie Mongans’s family’s Equal Status complaints against Clare County Council after the complainants failed to attend hearings and complete their evidence. The decision was dated 23 February 2007. Jim and Winnie Mongans were also ordered to pay the council €400 in expenses. Their children were named as Michael Mongans, Mary-Bridget, Lisa, Martin and Martina.
The family alleged discrimination on the Traveller community ground and harassment concerning housing and accommodation services. The officer found the complainants had notice of the January 2007 hearing and gave no valid reason for not attending. Jim Mongans had not completed his evidence and Winnie Mongans had given none. The officer said the family had not established a prima facie case and dismissed the complaints after the complainants failed to attend; the merits were not decided.
The officer also found the family’s conduct obstructed the investigation. The €400 expenses order took their limited means into account; representatives’ attendance expenses could not be included. The complaints concerning Ennis Town Council were not decided.