David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am talking about unusual circumstances and Senator Craughwell has referred to a situation where somebody who is not qualified is pursuing the complaint or appeal. There could also be foolish solicitors or barristers. Cases have often been neglected to the disadvantage of complainants who believe they are being properly pursued and then discover to their horror one day that they are not. The Minister has instanced additional work but, for God's sake, it is not much. It would take three minutes and, therefore, I do not accept for one second the additional work argument. The court is there to work and the machinery is in place to assist people. The court is not there to impede them and to say it has too much work to do and it cannot bother with the complaints. If it is an issue of justice, it is an issue of justice.

When is the letter the Minister mentioned sent? How much notice is given? For example, is the letter sent six weeks prior to the expiry date or is it sent on 25 January stating the case will expire on 27 January? That is not much notice. The Minister has not been helpful in this regard and I ask him to think again. There is not much work involved. It is a question of justice and there is no indication in what he said that a letter will be sent warning of this to the complainant as well to his or her representative adverting to the fact that the complaint has been mishandled in this way.