The Equality Commission last night dismissed criticism that it was failing to take action on the issue of flag flying.
Sinn Féin's Paul Butler criticised the body as "toothless" after receiving a letter from Chief Commissioner Joan Harbison about flying the Union flag outside Lisburn's council offices.
Mr Butler had asked the commission to take immediate action against the council.
In her letter, Ms Harbison said the Equality Commission was considering an equality impact assessment report on flags carried out by Lisburn council.
"Following a further response from Lisburn City Council we will view the matter accordingly and write to you again on the position," she said.
But Mr Butler accused the commission of engaging in an endless paper chase with the council.
"This letter is all the Equality Commission can come up with after two years of raising this matter," he said.
"This letter makes no reference as to what the Equality Commission intend to do to force local authorities like Lisburn to take affirmative action around issues like the flying of flags.
"The Equality Commission seem to want to engage with Lisburn council in an endless paper chase over this matter. This paper chase should end now, with the Equality Commission making a ruling on how they intend to bring about equality on Lisburn council."
The Equality Commission last night (Thursday) dismissed Mr Butler's criticism.
"The Equality Commission is vigorous in fulfilling its responsibilities under the law in advising employers and public bodies, including Lisburn City Council, how different pieces of equality legislation may apply to council decisions on the flying of flags and the implications of court and tribunal decisions on these issues," a spokesman said.
"We have explained the law governing the display of flags to councillor Butler and pointed out to him the options which exist for anyone who believes that the council is in breach of the law or of their own equality scheme.
"Councillor Butler says the commission should 'make a ruling' on the issue. This is a misunderstanding of equality law and of the role of the commission.
"The commission has no powers to allow it to do this. That is for the tribunal or the court."
