The Gazette 1978

JULY-AUGUST

1

GAZETTE

COUNCIL NOTES At its meeting on 15th June, the Council on the proposition of Mr. W. B. Allen passed with acclamation, a vote of congratulation to the President, Mr. J. L. Dundon and Mrs. Dundon on the manner in which they Following debate over three meetings of the Council, it was agreed that the Society's attitude towards the suggestion of increasing the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court and District Court should be as follows:— (1) The Council welcome the proposals for overdue increases in the Jurisdictions of the Circuit and District Courts. The Council have an open mind on the desirable extent of the increases in the Jurisdiction of both Courts as this would largely depend on the increase in facilities that will be provided through the appointment of Judges and Justices, Court Staff and Offices and Courts necessary to deal with the consequent increase in the volume of business in these Courts. (2) The Council consider that the District Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with: (a) Criminal Injury Claims up to the limit of District Court Jurisdiction for Contract and Tort. (b) Licensing Matters (at present in Circuit Jurisdiction) subject to rights of appeal to all parties (including the State) to the Circuit Court. (c) Matrimonial matters including Decrees for Separation, Alimony and Custody limited if desired to stated values of the family assets and subject to rights of appeal to the Circuit Court. (3) That the Circuit Court be given like Jurisdiction in matrimonial matters but with higher limits and subject to appeal to the High Court. (4) That the proper facilities be provided to enable the District Court function as a Court of Record and to enable judgments to be registered. (5) That simultaneous necessary arrangements be made providing for a scale of costs arising out of the increase in jurisdiction. Note was taken of the fact that the recommendations of the Land Registration and Court Rules Committees in the matter of solicitors' remuneration had been referred back to those bodies by the Department of Justice. Extreme concern was voiced over this further delay in adjusting remuneration, following on the National Prices Commission recommendations of March, 1977. It was agreed that the Society should seek an early discussion with the Minister for Justice on the subject. Landlord and Tenant Bills Mr. D. Binchy, Chairman, and the Parliamentary Committee were congratulated on the manner in which they had examined and made recommendations, successful in many cases, on the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rent) Bills. Liaison with Bar Council Discussions are proceeding with representations of the Bar Council with a view to improving the arrangements for the conduct of business and between solicitors' offices and counsels. As soon as the discussions are completed, a detailed report will be issued to members. conducted the Opening Ceremony. Increase of Jurisdiction of Courts

Retirement of Librarian The Council accepted the retirement of Mr. Colm Gavan Duffy, Librarian and Editor from the service of the Society with effect as from 30th June, 1978. In doing so, the Council adopted the following resolution:— "The the Council of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland express its sincere appreciation to Mr. Colm Gavan Duffy for his dedicated loyal service to the Society during the 21 years in which he held office of Librarian." Membership of Institute of Taxation In response to enquiries from members, the Council decided that it would raise no objection to the use of the initials A.I.T.I. on solicitors' letter heading to denote Associate Membership of the Institute of Taxation. Law Clerks Joint Labour Committee—New Rates The attention of members is drawn to the revision of statutory minimum rates for staff employed in solicitors' offices with effect as from 26th June, 1978. Arising our of the unfavourable publicity received this year on the publication of the 1977 Labour Inspection Report, the Council asks that particular attention be paid to (i) The posting up of current Employment Regulation Order (ii) Payment of revised rates from the due date and (iii) Payment of the correct wages to the appropriate category of staff i.e., Managing Clerk, Conveyancing Clerk/Cost Clerk, General Law Clerks 17 years of age and over, Shorthand Typists/Typists. Revision of Superior Courts Rules A Committee is reviewing the Rules of the Superior Courts, with the submission of recommendation to the President of the High Court in mind. Members who wish to submit observations should do so as soon as possible. Professional Indemnity Insurance The Council again draws the attention of members to the absolute necessity for an adequate level of Professional Indemnity Insurance. If you are not already covered you should write NOW to the Society's official brokers. J. H. Minet (Ireland) Ltd. 27 Upper FltzwiDiam Street, Dublin 2.

NATIONWIDE INVESTIGATIONS (Laurence Beggs)

126 BROADFORD RISE BALLINTEER DUBLIN 16 Pbone 989964

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