Mr. Dave Coleman:

I will. It is quite clear that some of the finest brains in this country are working within Departments and they are very knowledgeable in all areas of life. They are also very knowledgeable in mathematics. Respectfully, I believe that before any large tort - the Lariam case, for example - can be dealt with, the gross cost to the Exchequer would be weighed up and the net cost of defending it would be weighed as well. It would be deemed more prudent to run the case up the flagpole and see what happens in trying to avoid the bus; the other option is to get hit by it. That seems to be how this is dealt with in the State. There is a very hard-headed approach taken to these matters.

We can look at calls for public and judicial inquiries into various matters affecting people. I am reminded of the recent request to open the Stardust matter again. The people who made the request do not do so for compensation or to run up legal bills. They are trying to vindicate a right. However, the vindication of that right could lead to an additional expense or exposure so it is quite clear it is shut down at a very early stage. From an outsider's perspective looking in, that is how I see it. Of course, it is not just the case with the Stardust case but in many other areas.