Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Then I will discuss the adequacy of the offer made and ensure the court of public opinion is of persuasive effect in that respect. Regarding the ultimate arrangement that will be agreed to and finalised, the previous agreement reached was conducted by Government in respect of the Civil Liability Act and was a totally legitimate exercise in making sure people got access to speedy compensation and redress, without people having to go through the court system on an individual basis where they would have to provide higher levels of proof than what was required in the redress scheme, which I regard as a compassionate and good scheme that enabled people to get access to redress far more quickly than would have been the case were traditional legal routes followed. That exercise was valid.

In this respect, we refer to additional contributions that cannot be legally imposed. In the aftermath of those discussions and agreement being reached, I have no problem with it being discussed in this House.

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