Vol. 487 No. 7
27 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Defence the discussions, if any, he has had concerning the recent advertising by solicitors in relation to the deafness claims when he met the Law Society; and the progress, if any, in 1998. [4802/98]
81 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Defence the progress, if any, to date in 1998 in his discussions with the Law Society; if he has outlined his concerns to them in detail on advertising by solicitors; if he will introduce legislation to ban advertising on personal injury claims; and the progress to date in 1998. [4815/98]
91 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the complaints, if any, his Department has made up to 18 February 1998 to the Incorporated Law Society with regard to advertising for army deafness claims. [4989/98]
97 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the progress, if any, to date in 1998 in his discussions with the Law Society; if he has outlined his concerns to them in detail on advertising by solicitors; if he will introduce legislation to ban advertising on personal injury claims; and the progress to date in 1998. [4816/98]
187 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the discussions, if any, he has had concerning the recent advertising by solicitors in relation to the deafness claims; when he met the Law Society; and the progress, if any, to date in 1998. [5222/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 81, 91, 97 and 187 together.
Officials of my Department met the Incorporated Law Society on 9 December 1997 and I met them on 20 January 1998. A working group will continue the work of these meetings in seeking to explore ways of reducing legal costs in these cases. A mutually convenient date for the meeting of the group is at present being arranged. A decision of the Government on 16 December 1997, directed that legislation be prepared to prohibit advertising by solicitors, at least in the area of personal injuries. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is at present drafting this legislation in consultation with the Law Society.
