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Functions of Board.
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5.—(1) The Board shall—
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(a) make awards in accordance with this Act which are fair and reasonable having regard to the unique circumstances of each applicant,
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(b) make all reasonable efforts, through public advertisement, direct correspondence with persons who were residents of an institution and otherwise, to ensure that persons who were residents of an institution are made aware of the function, referred to in paragraph (a), of the Board,
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(c) have regard to the age and health of an applicant when determining the order in which applications are heard by it, and
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(d) ensure, in so far as is practicable, that hearings are conducted as informally as is possible having regard to all the circumstances.
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(2) The Board shall have all such powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions.
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(3) When considering an application under this Act the Board—
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(a) shall not address any issue of fault or negligence arising out of evidence given in an application under this Act, and
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(b) shall not make a finding of fact relating to fault or negligence referred to in paragraph (a).
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(4) The Board may—
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(a) give directions for the purposes of exercising its functions under this Act, and
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(b) make provision for the taking of evidence on commission for the purposes of this Act.
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