“Exceptional circumstances” required for extension of time in redress claim must be given liberal interpretation

Practice and procedure – time limits – how the discretionary power conferred on the respondent Board by s. 8(2) of the Residential Institutions Redress Board Act 2002 to extend time so as to permit late applications should be interpreted – High Court refused to quash Board’s interpretation of legislation – power to extend time for the making of late applications – whether the Board had correctly defined the terms “exceptional circumstances” – redress for child sexual abuse – statutory interpretation – Board applied the wrong test – meaning of the phrase “exceptional circumstances” – Board is accordingly given the widest possible discretion to extend time once it is satisfied that there exceptional circumstances such as would make it just and equitable that time should be extended – Act is a remedial statute – power to extend time under s. 8(2) should be given a wide and liberal interpretation and there is nothing at all in the sub-section to suggest the contrary – decision of the Board quashed and matter remitted to High Court – appeal allowed.