Vol. 429 No. 3
106 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to establish a legal ombudsman; if this ombudsman will have powers to deal with cases retrospectively; and if she will make a statement on the way in which persons who are dissatisfied with the performance of their solicitor can have the matter redressed.
The Solicitors (Amendment) Bill, 1991 lapsed on the dissolution of the 26th Dáil. It provided for the appointment of an independent adjudicator to investigate complaints about the Law Society's handling of complaints by members of the public about solicitors.
I am reviewing the proposals in the lapsed Bill with a view to introducing a revised Solicitors Bill as soon as possible and I will have regard to the matter of providing for the appointment of a legal ombudsman in that context.
Complaints about solicitors may be made to the Registrar's Committee of the Law Society and also to the Disciplinary Committee which is appointed by the President of the High Court under the provisions of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act, 1960 to investigate complaints alleging misconduct by solicitors. Substantial amendments to these procedures will be made by the revised Solicitors Bill.
