John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

——tribunal reports will be admissible in civil cases — the findings of facts in a report or the opinions expressed therein are prima facie evidence unless the contrary is shown; the position with regard to award of costs by a tribunal is clarified and co-operation with the tribunal remains the key determinant for an award of costs; and regulations, to be made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, will set out maximum amounts of legal costs recoverable.

In particular, Part 5 of the Bill contains many new provisions dealing with the proceedings of tribunals, which should have the effect of making them speedier and by extension less costly. Section 18 requires a tribunal to carry out its functions as efficiently, effectively and expeditiously as practicable having regard to its terms of reference.

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