Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 February 2012
99 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the proposals he has for small companies to pursue debts via a system of arbitration or mediation in order that legal costs can be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11756/12]
View answerAlternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes such as arbitration or mediation provide an alternative to court proceedings for the resolution of disputes. Because of the voluntary nature of these processes, they provide a non-adversarial forum in which, through dialogue between the parties, the resolution to the dispute may be found by the parties themselves. This form of voluntary dispute resolution is frequently more efficient and cost-effective than legal proceedings. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, is considering the preparation of legislation which may contain provisions to promote mediation as a viable, effective and efficient alternative to court proceedings, including with a view to reducing legal costs.
