Ms Catherine Tarrant:

From the State Claims Agency perspective, we always have a policy of admitting liability at a very early stage. As soon as the matter becomes clear to us that any substandard care has taken place, we have a policy of admitting liability early, where appropriate, and we make every effort to deal expeditiously with every meritorious claim that is brought to us. Mr. Breen has addressed our view in regard to the mandatory or voluntary position.