Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I certainly do not support the amendment because I believe there are solicitors on the interim board and that they will be on the board when it is fully established. If the Law Society of Ireland nominated an individual to the board, would that individual be answerable to the Law Society of Ireland or to the board? Members of the board would have much more flexibility if appointed by the Minister, as would solicitors appointed in their own right. I believe that Senator Coghlan argued yesterday that the Bar Council should also have a nominee. This would not be very beneficial.

On the point about cheques being held by solicitors, maybe it is a bit unfair to say that they hold the cheques, take their fees therefrom and then send them on to the claimants. It could be part of the form itself that the cheque would be sent directly to the claimant and not to his or her solicitor. This would be an easy amendment to make, but that is neither here nor there. The Law Society of Ireland is very well represented on the board and this will continue to be the case because the board will need good legal advice. I am sure there will be some solicitors on the board to provide balance.