Written notice of decision

Added on April 14, 2006

In answer to Ms Buckley's lack of knowledge about the Boards procedures.

In all cases, you will be given written notice of the Board?s decision. When you receive this notice, you have one calendar month in which to decide whether you accept it. There is particular merit in taking legal advice on this step if you have not been legally represented at the hearing.

If you decide to accept, you will be required to notify the Board in writing, and to waive certain rights to bring civil proceedings in respect of the matters set out in your application. You will be further notified on this matter after the award has been made.

If you decide not to accept, you have the right to apply to the Residential Institutions Redress Review Committee to review your award. This Committee can increase, confirm or reduce the award of the Board. You are recommended to seek legal advice before accepting the Board?s award or sending it for review.

You can also reject the award without seeking a review, in which case your claim can only be pursued in the ordinary Courts. You should be aware that in civil court proceedings different rules apply which could affect your chances of success. If you wish to consider the option of rejection, you are strongly advised to seek legal advice before you inform the Board of your decision.

It is vital that you consider and act in good time within the calendar month allowed whether to accept, send for review or reject the award. If you do nothing within this calendar month, you will be deemed to have rejected the award and the Board cannot thereafter make an award to you in respect of the matters which formed the subject of your application, and you will have no right to apply to the Review Committee.