30   Hearing of claims

(cf former s 17M)

(1)  Claims for compensation under this Part shall be decided by the Authority.

(2)  If a claim for compensation is for a weekly payment of compensation, the Authority shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, deal with the claim within 31 days after the claimant makes the claim and supplies the Authority with the documentation it requires to decide the claim.

(3)  A dispute between the Authority and a claimant may be assigned under the 1998 Act to a conciliator for conciliation, but the Authority is not bound by any decision of the conciliator.

(4)  A claimant dissatisfied with a decision of the Authority may apply to the District Court for a determination of the claim and the Authority must give effect to the determination of the Court.

(5)  (Repealed)

(6)  At a hearing before the District Court, the Authority or its representative may appear before the District Court and exercise in respect of any matters and questions arising out of the application the same powers, rights and authorities as an employer may exercise in respect of a claim between a worker and employer under the Principal Act or the 1998 Act.