Vol. 560 No. 1
825 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce his promised provision for mandatory mediation in insurance related claims in order to reduce legal costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1366/03]
826 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce the promised guidelines for damages for personal injuries in order to mitigate the cost of insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1367/03]
827 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce the promised legislation to provide for sworn affidavits to be required to curb fraudulent claims which are contributing to the high cost of insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1368/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 825 to 827 inclusive together.
The measures referred to in these questions are all contained in the programme for Government. I intend to develop proposals for legislation to provide for mandatory mediation, the requirement for sworn affidavits and other related measures as a matter of priority during this year. I am also considering further how the commitment to establish a set of guidelines on damages for personal injuries might best be implemented.
828 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to introduce the promised legislation to ban no foal no fee advertising by solicitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1369/03]
Section 71(2) of the Solicitors Act 1954, as inserted by section 4 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 2002, will, in effect, prohibit advertising of the kind referred to by the Deputy. A similar provision is contained in the Solicitors (Advertising) Regulations 2002 made by the Law Society with my consent. Both provisions will apply to advertisements published on or after 1 February next.
