Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

People could be regulated by their own body but they may not necessarily be fit to represent someone in one of these cases, even though they might present themselves as being able to do so. If individuals choose to represent themselves, that is fine but professionals could say they will look after them and it will only cost so much where many of those making appeals do not understand much about the law or regulation and their entitlements. Some people are naive and they may employ professionals who might not be fit to represent them and agree to pay them. I accept the Minister's comment that where people can represent themselves, we cannot introduce such a regulation but, generally, the employee will be in a vulnerable position, more so than the employer.

More often than not, anyone looking for money from a financial institution can be in a vulnerable position. The person is in a weaker place than the institution as it is the one with the money and the one who knows the game. The guy going in is trying to start a business or invest in something. He is not always on a stronger footing than the guy across the table with whom he is dealing.

Likewise, many employees might not be quite as strong and know as much as they should about how they should go about presenting the best case. Can the Minister envisage a scenario where people out there may say "oh, I'll sort that for you but it will cost you this much."? Would it close off that possible weakness?

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