Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Norris is confusing what we are dealing with here. This is a mediation process, into which people enter voluntarily. The Senator is seeking in such a voluntary mediation process to give case resolution officers directive powers to compel the production of documentation and evidence to the other party that the party intends to rely on. That would be in conflict with a voluntary mediation process, which is an attempt to find a solution, from which both sides can withdraw and enter a full hearing if they are not happy with it, but bringing such compulsion into the process would be contrary to what is sought in the section. The provisions the Senator envisages are not appropriate to a mediated environment.