The cost of the tribunal could be up to £1 million, including preparation costs of the 10 parties represented. It is understood that senior barristers are expected to charge around £50,000 each for the three-month tribunal, while juniors are expected to charge around £30,000. All costs are to be paid by the State.
The tribunal sat for 28 days between November and February, hearing evidence on 27 of those days. The Compensation Tribunal had heard 289 cases up to yesterday, awarding just under £32.5 million in compensation, an average award of £112,500. The number of cases heard represents less than a fifth of the total number of applications.
The tribunal has received 1,653 applications and started hearings in March 1996. Further applications can be made by people who develop hepatitis C after the deadline. The tribunal also has the discretion to allow others who missed the June 17th deadline last year