Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I do not support the amendment. I understand there is nothing to stop a claimant seeking legal advice. The Bill tries to avoid having another layer, with its implications for legal costs. If the outcome of the board's assessment is not satisfactory to the claimant, he or she can reject it and go back to the old way. If we set up the PIAB and then put legal representation back into the equation, we will be back to where we started. If the suggested figure of between 30% and 40% extra cost due to legal implications is correct it does not make sense to have a PIAB and legal representation as well.

Senator Leyden referred to people feeling they needed personal representation. This will be a paper-based system so there will be no question of going with a solicitor to a hearing.