Ms Rhona Murphy:

I would like to make a quick point because I think we were criticised in pretty stern terms there and our arguments were referred to as risible. At all times, we have been respectful to Mr. O'Sullivan. At no time did I suggest that his claim was frivolous or vexatious. This is not my language. It is language that is reflected in the legislation. It is acknowledged as a problem by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and has happened to me as a representative in attending cases.

In terms of people representing themselves, unfortunately, the only thing that will create an atmosphere where that can be done is by simplifying the legislation. That is something that IBEC would very much welcome because employers suffer from the complexity of the law just as much as employees. This suggestion that employers are rolling in money with endless resources to pay for legal representation is a fallacy, particularly at the moment. What we require here is a little balance. The ongoing work in the Department is very welcome to that extent. It is trying to simplify what has become a very unwieldy and complex system.