Vol. 434 No. 6
15 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice if she, or the Minister of State at her Department, has met the Irish Farm Family Therapy Group regarding complaints against the legal profession; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
76 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if she has received submissions to consider the appointment of a legal ombudsman; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take oral Questions Nos. 15 and 76 together.
I have received a number of representations about the appointment of a legal ombudsman, including representations from the Irish Farm Family Therapy Group. The Minister of State met representatives of the group on 29 September. The group's main concern is the appointment of a legal ombudsman. They have been informed that the proposed Solicitors Bill which I hope to publish this session will provide for the appointment of an independent adjudicator to investigate complaints about the Law Society's handling of complaints about solicitors by members of the public.
Will the Minister accept that there is widespread concern about lack of accountability of the Incorporated Law Society? Will he support the proposal put forward, not only by me but by this group, that there should be an independent legal ombudsman?
Deputy Allen will be aware that the Solicitors Bill, which lapsed on the dissolution of the 26th Dáil, contained a proposal for the appointment of an independent adjudicator for the solicitors' profession. I have already indicated that we will be reintroducing that Bill this session and it will contain a similar provision.
Why is it not intended that remit of the legal ombudsman should extend to the profession of barrister? Will the legal ombudsman have the right to look at the whole question of fees charged, as well as the performance of the lawyers concerned?
To answer the latter part of the question first, he will have the right to look at fees. As to the former part of the question, the original proposal in the Bill that lapsed dealt with the solicitors' profession because it is the law on solicitors that we are reforming. My mind is not completely closed to the possibility of extending it to the other branch of the profession but we will discuss that when the Bill is being debated in Committee.
That concludes Question Time for today.
