Many complaints have been made about the cost of tribunals. Even though it has been pointed out that such costs have been more than covered by items such as tax bills arising from evidence uncovered by the tribunals, there is no doubt that lawyers' fees are extremely high. This essentially raises broader issues, which I do not propose to debate today, about the high cost of justice which would deter most from going to court if it can be avoided. Eight years ago, when reports appeared in tabloid newspapers north of the Border alleging that I had engaged in meetings with certain paramilitaries, I approached the then Attorney General and quoted to him my father's advice that if one could avoid it, never go to law. He informed me that my father was a wise man.