Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the Minister. I appreciate where the Senators are coming from. Anyone involved in litigation will be aware of delays and the need to try to address this issue. Senator Craughwell referred to a High Court judge making orders. The difficulty in this context is that the amendments seek to give case resolution officers powers that are inappropriate.I know the Senator said this would only apply after the mediation has not resolved the complaint or dispute but it is still not appropriate that the person in charge of the mediation is the one to whom one is giving those powers. The Senator is right to look to attribute powers but it is being done in a way that is not appropriate.