Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

The methodology used to calculate appropriate amounts of compensation was recognised by many individuals with a legal background as containing a number of flaws. Compensation was delivered under a points system as opposed to one based on the principles relating to the calculation of damages applied in the High Court each day.

I recall the long saga relating to a man from Tallaght who went on hunger strike outside the gates of Leinster House. The individual in question felt he had been let down by the system and was seeking a mechanism by means of which he could move his case forward. It was eventually resolved. When tabling this amendment, I was of the view that it was important that a message be sent from this House that there would be a mechanism in place to allow people to take their cases to the courts. I thought the amendment would enhance rather than detract from the Bill.

See this speech in context