The Code of Conduct for the Bar of Ireland requires a barrister, on taking instructions, to provide an instructing solicitor, or the client in the case of access under the Direct Professional Access Scheme, with particulars of charges in writing. Contravention by a barrister of any provision of the Code may result in disciplinary proceedings by the Bar Council's Professional Conduct Tribunal. A function of the Legal Services Ombudsman, provided under legislation of 2009, is to oversee the handling by the Bar Council and Law Society of complaints against barristers and solicitors respectively. However, the Legal Services Bill, the proposals for which are at an advanced stage of development in my Department, will have substantial implications for the Office of the Ombudsman and regulation of the legal professions. I have, therefore, delayed the appointment of a person to the Office.