Michael Healy-Rae
Question:433. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Legal Services Regulation Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53826/13]
View answerTuesday, 17 December 2013
Questions (433)
Written answers
The Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, which has completed Second Stage and is continuing Committee Stage which commenced on 17th July, gives legislative expression to the commitment in the Programme for Government to "establish independent regulation of the legal professions to improve access and competition, make legal costs more transparent and ensure adequate procedures for addressing consumer complaints".Furthermore, as a sectoral objective under the EU/IMF/ECB Troika Memorandum of Understanding, it supports the objectives of structural reform, national competitiveness and early economic recovery, building on the relevant recommendations of the Legal Costs Working Group and the Competition Authority. Amendments to the Legal Services Regulation Bill are being considered by Government with a view to their be made available prior to the resumption of Committee Stage which is expected to take place in the New Year. A Regulatory Impact Analysis of the Bill has been made available on the website of the Department of Justice and Equality via the internet link www.justice.ie .