The Gazette 1974

Where the applicant has any other degree, again sub- ject to passing the statutory First Irish Examination and obtaining a master, he will be allowed to commence a 3 year apprenticeship. Before being admitted to the Society's Law School, he will be required to pass an examination at degree level in Contract, Property, and Tort, Constitutional Law and two optional subjects. It is hoped in discussion with the Universities, to arrange that such persons will be in a position to attend the appropriate University lectures and sit the appropriate University examinations, which would be recognized for the Society's purposes. As I mentioned earlier, there are approximately 600 apprentices in training. There are some 1500 solicitors in practice. By comparison Scotland with a population of 5,212,000 and a comprehensive system of legal aid, has 3,500 solicitors in practice. Notwithstanding our high apprentice/solicitor ration, there is an unsatisfied demand for apprenticeship. The Society being conscious of the problem of obtaining masters, agreed on 7 February 1974, that in these special circumstances, it would be prepared to consider applications from solici- tors generally for second apprentices subject to there being a minimum of a year between the commence- ment of the individual apprenticeship. Also, as an ex- ceptional measure, it agreed to allow solicitors of 5-7 years standing to take apprentices subject to the Society's approval in each case. While the Society has taken steps to ease entry into the profession, I feel that some comment is necessary on the capacity of the pro- fession to absorb the numbers which now appear to be seeking admission. In 1960 the Society had an intake of about 30 apprentices per year, whereas today that figure is rising towards 150 a year. How far this is a reflection of the difficulty of getting into other pro- fessions through the raising of the University entrance standards, is difficult to say, but undoubtedly it is a factor. Under the new arrangements when entry to the profession at the academic level will be broadly on a par with that to other professions, the actual numbers seeking admission may decline somewhat. On a com- parison with Scotland given that a scheme of free legal aid and advice in civil matters is inaugurated, then it is reasonable to suggest that the number of practising solicitors could grow to about 2,000, an increase of one third over the existing number in practice. Also, it is possible that the solicitor of the future may turn his thoughts towards employment i n the industrial, commercial and administrative world in either a specifi- cally legal situation or in a managerial assignment. Concluding on the subject of legal education, might I say that the Society is very conscious that there may be criticism of the length of apprenticeship—3 years for a person with a University degree. This is a statutory requirement provided for under Section 26 of the Solici- tors' Acts 1954-1960 and the Second Schedule to the Act. It cannot be altered without amending legislation. As and when an opportunity presents itself for amend- ing legislation, something we do not anticipate at an early date, the position of apprenticeship will be re- viewed. In the meantime, the Society will have had the opportunity of reviewing the situation in light of ex- perience gained with the new arrangements. Since 1961 we have tried in vain to obtain amending legislation. Professor Ryan of Cork, Mr. Sweeney of Galway, and the Minister have been most helpful.

Other activities of the Society Turning briefly to other areas of the Society's en- deavours you should be aware t h a t: The Society and local Bar Associations have coif* mented in detail on the Reports on Court Practice , and Procedure. The Society has through its expert Committees • assisted the Department of Justice, the Department o' j Industry and Commerce and the Dail Committee 0,1 Secondary Legislation on E.E.C. matters. The Society has commented, as opportune 0,1 pending legislation and Government reports. At present its major concern is to comment on the various Whi te Papers on Capital Taxation. As part of its en- deavours in this area, it has sought and will be obtain- ing next week the advice of a Danish expert in.tjl 6 area, Mr. Koch Nielsen, who is coming over special') to assist us. As a conscious policy, the Society is making consider able efforts to improve communication and liaison wit its members throughout the country. Here I would I 1 " 1 Oof to thank the committees and members of the local v* Associations for their co-operation with the Director General and for the welcome and the hospitality show 0 to him. The interchange of views on the occasions 0 his visits have been most useful in the development 0 the Council's ideas and policies. The general current view is that premiums not be paid by apprentices, but apprentices should & paid according to the difficulty of work they perform The Society has paid attention to the reports of Committee on Court Practice and Procedure. ) Osborne's excellent report on Court Organisation h?" been generally commended and is being published 1,1 the Gazette. By way of conclusion, having outlined the activity and I hope, progress of the Society I feel you woul like me to express your appreciation to the member of the Council and the various Committees of tn Society for their efforts. In the course of the discussion, Mr. Gerard Doy' f mentioned the difficulty of apprentices finding masted and asked what steps were being taken in the educate of suitable law clerks. Mr. Dundon, Chairman of the Court of Examifl eP stated that this matter had been fully considered 6) them, and that the implementation of the progra outlined by the President would call for the appoi pt ment of many additional examiners and lecturers. Mr. Brendan O'Maoleoin complimented the Direct 0 ^ General upon the more popular image which the soli 01 ' tors were getting. While praising the Gazette, ^ thought that, with some assistance, the publications 0 the Society could be expanded, in association with ty Council of Law Reporting. The Director-General, wh'' stressing that the resources of the Society were limit e ' considered legal education as a priority and hoped th 3 the difficult position in regard to Irish legal textboo^ would improve. Messrs. T. C. G. O 'Mahony, N' 3 O'Neill and Michael O'Connor also spoke. Mr. Jaifl e? O'Donovan complimented the President upon the re ' forms in legal education which he had announce 0

The President then declared the meeting closed. 144