The Gazette 1979

JULY-AUGUST

1979

GAZETTE

precedents, and there is no reason why, assuming that we have a proper postal service in the future, such pre- cedents could not be with the Solicitor requiring same, the day after he telephones the Law Society with his requirements. I am convinced that a precedent bank service could be of great benefit to the Profession, particularly to those practicing alone or in remoter parts of the country, who might not come across certain requirements as frequently as those in the bigger centres of population. I would like to emphasize my belief that the Profession has a very prosperous future, even apart from the provision of a full scheme of Civil Legal Aid, provided that it increases its productivity to meet increasing demands. I have no doubt that the Profession can do this, and that the Law Society can help in organising it. Finally, I feel that Solicitors are going to be asked more and more to give advice which has, at least, some relationship to business, and that some involvement in, or knowledge of business is highly desirable for all members of the Profession in the future. Ideally, such a knowledge should be obtained by some personal business involve- ment, presumably in a non-executive capacity, but as this will not be possible for all, it may be worth the Society's while to consider, in addition to the other Continuing Education Programmes which it provides, the provision of some programmes especially designed for Solicitors in relation to financial and business affairs. I feel that there is a great future for our Profession, and I sincerely hope that the Profession and the Society will take appropriate measures to capitalize fully on the opportunities which will be available. The President's address was received with applause. Retirement Annuity Fund Mr. Walter Beatty, Senior Vice-President, reported on the growth of the Fund since its establishment four years ago. The value of the Fund was now about £1 million and the initial investment of £100 was now worth £206.85. The Fund was invested in both gilts and equities in the Irish and U.K. markets and it was now proposed to invest in property. Mr. Beatty asked those present to encourage their colleagues, especially the younger members, to participate in the Scheme. He also drew attention to the Income Continuance Plan aspect of the Scheme, which in the future would enjoy tax concessions. He emphasised that the time to join was when one was in good health. Concluding, Mr. Beatty paid tribute to his colleague on the Fund's Steering Committee. Matters arising out of the Annual General Meeting The Director General referred to the resolution pro- posed by Mr. James Heney directing that the Council appoint a professional member of the staff to deal with Government Departments, Local Authorities and other agencies. The Council had referred the resolution to a sub-Committee for action and that Committee had decided to advertise a solicitor vacancy on the staff of the Society. Unfortunately due to the postal strike it had been necessary to extend the closing date to 21st May, 1979.

of the possibility of further increases in the remuneration al- ready proposed arising out of the suggested "National Understanding". As he saw it such increases would make it necessary to an increasing extent for solicitors to agree costs with clients. Costs Mr. W. A. Osborne furnished the meeting with a progress report on developments since the Annual General Meeting. He anticipated that revised regulations would be made in the near future. Legal Aid Mr. G. J. Moloney proposed that the Society should not accept the Civil Legal Aid Scheme as announced, due to the limitation of the scheme to Law Centres. The President gave the background to this proposal and emphasised that die heavy cost of the Criminal Legal Aid scheme was a factor in Government thinking in relation to the proposed Civil Legal Aid Scheme. Mr. Michael O'Mahony said it would be difficult to oppose the proposal without seeing the small print. In his view, employing solicitors in centres was the logical extension to the FLAC Centres. He felt the Society should reserve its position until the small print of the scheme was available. Gazette Mr. Peter Finlay, Executive Editor, was introduced to the meeting. Mr. Finlay invited members, especially those present from outside Dublin to meet with him to discuss the Gazette's programme. Postal Strike Mr. W. A. Osborne said that the strike was having an increasing effect in country areas with the result that it was becoming impossible to complete work. The public did not appreciate the position and were blaming solicitors for the delay. He wondered if the Society could do anything to make the public more aware of the position. The President said that as a result of a resolution adopted at the last Council meeting, he had issued a state- ment to the press which had received some publicity. Mr. Patrick Glynn and Mr. W. B. Allen favoured an advertis- ment in the papers. Mr. Dominick Kearns said that in Limerick the Inspector of Taxes was declining to hand out letters to personal callers. It was agreed to refer the suggestions made to the Public Relations Committee. Building Societies Mr. Michael O'Connell asked if the Society could make representations to the Building Societies regarding the delay in sanctioning loans. The period had extended from 6-8 weeks to 12 weeks. It was agreed that representations be made to the Building Societies. Vote of Thanks Mr. Jermyn proposed a vote of thanks to the President for his conduct of the meeting which was carried with acclamation. The President having thanked the members for their participation declared the meeting closed.

Other Business Law Clerks Remuneration • Mr. Gerald Doyle warned

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