The Gazette 1967/71

O'Connell, Thomas Jackson, Walter Beatty, Robert McD. Taylor, Mrs. Moya Quinlan, Bruce St. J. Blake, Christopher Hogan, Patrick F. O'Donnell, Norman Spendlove. The following was among the business trans acted. Professional negligence idemnity insurance The Council received a report from a special sub-committee appointed to consider this matter which unanimously resolved that the scheme submitted by Coyle & Co. (Insurance) Ltd., on behalf of the Federated Employers Association Ltd., should be adopted and put into operation immediately. Schedule 2 charges A sub-committee of the Council submitted a draft application for an increase in the charges under Schedule 2 Solicitors Remuneration General Orders 1884-1964. It awaits consideration by the Statutory Body. Fusion of the two branches of the profession The Council received a report from the Policy committee which was discussed and adopted. A copy of the report is published at page 23 of this issue. It has been forwarded to the committee on Court Practice and Procedure. Committee vacancies Following the resignation of Mr. Desmond J. Collins, the following changes were made in the committees to the Council. Court of Examiners: Mr. David R. Pigot to replace Mr. Desmond J. Collins. Joint Committee with the Bar Council: Mr. Gerald J. Hickey to replace Mr. Desmond J. Collins. Parliamentary Committee: Mr. John Maher to be Chairman of the Committee in place of Mr. Desmond J. Collins. Disciplinary Committee: Mr. T. V. O'Connor having resigned from the Committee, it was decided that the name of Mr. Thomas H. Bacon, with his consent, be submitted to the President of

may not understand for many steps and requirements which are commonplace to lawyers and this client "is entitled to a proper explanation as to what has to be or has been done and failing it will blame the lawyer concerned and possibly the whole profession." The business of keeping a client adequately informed may often be an extra burden on the hard pressed practitioner but the extra effort may well save much work and expense in the long run by obviating complaints. The Council recognises that a complaint that a solicitor has fallen short of the professions high standard of conduct or efficiency must be investigated and while there is no reason to think that such com plaints are not adequately and fairly dealt with, steps are being taken to ensure that so far as the resources and staff of the Society allow, the machinery for dealing with complaints is up to date and satisfactory. BAR ASSOCIATIONS I should like to emphasise the importance of active local Bar Associations. Already during my period of office I have had contacts with a number of Associations and have been impressed bv the harmony and goodwill which they foster and which helps to srengthen the profession. If there are still any areas where associations are moribund or non-existent I would be pleased to offer my assistance and that of the Secretariat in helping to start or re-organise a local Bar Association. SOCIETY OF YOUNG SOLICITORS I was very happy to attend the successful Seminar held recently in Cork and to find that this Societv is still vigorously pursuing its aims which are fully endorsed by the Council. CONCLUSION I have been greatly helped and encouraged by my two Vice-Presidents. Mr. Bre"dan McGrath and Mr. T. V. O'Connor and by the other Members of Council during the first months of mv period in office and I have received constant assistant and guidance from Mr. Eric Plunkett, Mr. Joseph Finnegan, Mr. Martin Healy and all the staff. I know I can depend on all their help in future and I shall continue to do my best for our profession. Messrs. M. B. O'Maoleoin. Kevin Burke and T. C. G. O'Mnho'v snoke on matters arising on the President's statement. The proceedings then terminated. March 19th The President in the chair also present: Messrs. Francis Lanigan, George Nolan, T. V. O'Connor, Gerald Y. Goldberg, Gerard M. Doyle, Desmond Moran, Peter D. M. Prentice, James W. O'Don- ovan, John Maher, Humphrey P. Kelleher, John O'Meara, William M. Cahir, W. A. Osborne, Eunan McCarron, P. C. Moore, Senator J. J. Nash, Gerald Hickey, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, Brendan A. McGrath, Patrick Noonan, Peter E. the need MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL