15Q.—(1) In conducting an oral hearing referred to in section 15H(2)(b)(v) or section 15N(3), the Determination Panel or Appeals Officer, as the case may be, may—

(a) by notice in writing to any person, require the person to attend at such time and place as is specified in the notice to give evidence in relation to any matter in question at the hearing or to produce any books, accounts, maps, plans or other documents in his or her possession, custody or control which relate to the matter, or

(b) take evidence on oath and for that purpose may administer oaths, and a person giving evidence at an oral hearing shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he or she were a witness before the High Court.

(2) Where a person requests an oral hearing under section 15H(2)(b)(v) or section 15N(3), and that person fails to attend at the scheduled hearing in accordance with a notice referred to in subsection (1)(a), the Determination Panel or the Appeals Officer, as the case may be, may make the determination or finding within the time specified in sections 15H(6) or 15N(11) notwithstanding a person's failure to attend at a scheduled hearing.

(3) A person to whom a notice referred to in subsection (1)(a) has been given who—

(a) refuses or neglects to attend in accordance with the notice,

(b) alters, suppresses, conceals or destroys any document to which the notice relates, or

(c) having attended in accordance with the notice, refuses to give evidence or refuses or fails to produce any document to which the notice relates,

commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a class C fine.]