Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

It is envisaged that medical expenses would be repayable. In the case of a minor, where the court will have to determine whether the award is satisfactory, legal expenses will be paid by the respondent. As regards the claimant, we are talking about medical expenses. That may sometimes involve people travelling outside the country for medical assistance or advice. We are talking about expenses which are regarded as having been reasonably incurred in defence of the claim.