Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 September 2014
302. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 to reach final stage in Dáil Éireann; if she supports the provision of multidisciplinary practices as originally outlined in the Bill; if she supports the merger of the solicitor and barrister professions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35455/14]
View answer304. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the communication she has had with the European Commission this year with regard to the regulation of the legal profession; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35457/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 304 together.
The Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, which has completed both Second and Committee Stages in the Dáil, commenced Report Stage in the Dáil on 11th July 2014 which is due to resume next month. The Government's proposed amendments will be made available in advance for consideration. It remains the intention that the Bill be enacted by the end of this year and that the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority come into operation early in 2015. The Bill will continue to include provision for multi-disciplinary practices. As the Deputy will already be aware, under the Bill the possible fusion of the two legal professions is one of those matters that is to be the subject of public consultations conducted by the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority.
Having been a key undertaking of the structural reform programme agreed under the EU/IMF/ECB Troika Memorandum of Understanding, the Legal Services Regulation Bill is, in succession to the Troika programme, now the subject of a Country Specific Recommendation under the EU Semester Process. As was the case with the Troika Programme, the relevant contacts and negotiations under the Semester Process are carried out with the European Commission at senior official level, including with relevant Government Departments such as my own and in conjunction with our Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.
The relevant Recommendation arising from these negotiations was among those endorsed by Heads of State and Government at the European Council of 26-27 June 2014, including as conveyed to the House by the Taoiseach in his speech of 2 July 2014 on the outcomes of that Council. The Recommendation urges that Ireland take action during the period 2014-2015 to, "Reduce the cost of legal proceedings and services and foster competition, including by the enactment of the Legal Services Regulation Bill by the end of 2014, including its provision allowing the establishment of multi-disciplinary practices, and by seeking to remove the solicitor's lien. Monitor its impact, including on the costs of legal services. Take executive steps to ensure that the Legal Services Regulatory Authority is operational without delay and that it meets its obligations under the legislation, including in terms of publishing regulations or guidelines for multi-disciplinary practices and the resolution of complaints". The Government's commitment to the structural reforms of the Bill is also a key element of the Programme for Government, the Action Plan for Jobs, the Medium Term Economic Strategy 2014-2020 and the National Reform Plan, respectively.
