Kathleen Lynch
Question:68 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of a newspaper article written by the President of the High Court announcing the establishment by him of a working group to consider whether damages for catastrophic injuries can or should be awarded by way of periodic payment rather than lump sum, to make recommendations to the president and to provide draft legislation to give effect to its recommendations, the establishment of this working group by the president was on his initiative or that of the president; if it was the initiative of the president, if it was considered and approved by him prior to its being announced; if he will provide any precedent for the president of the High Court or any other judge to establish a working group to consider and recommend proposals for legislative change outside the formal context of the Law Reform Commission or another appropriately designated body; if he is satisfied that an ad hoc committee established by a judge and including other judges amongst its membership is an appropriate body to consider and make proposals for legislation to him and the Houses of the Oireachtas; if he is further satisfied with the balance of interests represented on the working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19619/10]
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