Mr. Sean Rainbird:

This is a long and complex case involving a number of individuals. Based on the legal advice, the prospects were looking good, and up to rights commissioner level it was decided in favour of the gallery, although the situation changed when the case got to the Labour Court. As the documentation before the committee confirms, when the first three cases were taken they were all handled individually, which added to the costs. If it was a class action it would probably be rather less expensive as it would have involved arguing in one court at one time with one legal representation. In one sense the way in which the legal process has occurred has added to the cost. The longevity of this case over several years has meant that the costs are rather high because of the time and the number of people involved. Deputy Connaughton’s point is absolutely valid. It is very costly to do this but it is part of the gallery’s duty of responsibility in its disbursing of public funds to take as much care as possible. Sometimes that care involves taking outside advice from the specialists - in this case, the lawyers.