Mr. Gerry Hassett:

There is a link between the cases that go through and the cost of the awards given, which informs the decisions to settle claims. If one believed that in a case of whiplash, for example, the award would be €20,800, why would one go to the expense of hiring a barrister for oneself and the claimant? The average amount of the court award dictates the levels at which one settles.