Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Costs have been recovered by claimants in cases where assessments are being rejected and subsequently accepted after the issue of proceedings. Fees of €1,000 to €1,500 are being allowed by county registrars throughout the country for PIAB work in addition to the full professional fee of the proceedings.

We are aware, and PIAB has raised the issue with me, that this is becoming a widespread practice. The PIAB has independently confirmed with four county registrars that they either currently or will in the future allow costs of this magnitude. I am informed that the anomaly was exposed at a recent Law Society seminar held on 13 March 2007. It is legitimate to expect that this practice will become widespread.

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