Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, the establishment of the tribunal was based on the recommendation of Mr. Justice Charles Meenan and was provided for in legislation enacted in the previous Dáil, which had the support of all political parties in the House. It is the Government's view that the tribunal offers a number of advantages when compared with taking High Court proceedings, as outlined by Mr. Justice Meenan in his report. The tribunal is up and running. The Deputy is correct that three claims have been received by it and these have been advanced promptly. It is our view that the tribunal offers a far more effective and quicker approach to getting claims resolved. The tribunal is an alternative venue for the exclusive purpose of dealing with the claims promptly. Of course, people have an entitlement to use the courts but we believe the tribunal offers a very good forum.

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