John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

The effect of this amendment is to provide people with an entitlement to legal representation in their dealings with the PIAB if they so choose. While the PIAB may prefer to deal directly with claimants, there will no doubt be some claimants who would like the assistance and guidance of their family solicitors, for example, in dealing with the board, provided they are prepared to pay for the legal advice personally. We should recognise that there are some cases in which people require advice and support in dealing with the board. As we all know, a great many people have difficulties in dealing with State bodies. They would like to have the possibility of representation in dealing with the PIAB.