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

I assure Senator Ó Clochartaigh I have no intention of introducing fees. However, I have provided a reserve power here to deal with what I might describe as gaming of the system. The one specific instance that has been brought to my attention is where someone does not go to the hearing of first instance but then seeks to appeal at the later stage. It is appropriate, if an employer decides to appeal at that stage, that a penalty fee would apply. I will use the reserve power to have a special fee in such a case. I intend to have no fees to act as a deterrent to persons to pursue their rights but I am taking the reserve power for cases such as the one I describe to prevent abuse of process.