The Gazette 1980

GAZETTE

DECEMBER 1980

Law School expenditure as between 1979 and 1980. In the case of Law School, Mr. Curran pointed out that it had not been running in its new form for the full year in 1979. Mr. Curran also dealt with the query from Mr. B. Garvan on the manner in which depreciation was treated. The President thanked Mr. Curran for the work of the Committee during the year. Disciplinary No comments arose on the Disciplinary Committee report. The President thanked Mr. Doyle for the work of The report was introduced by Mr. F. O'Donnell, who was thanked by the President for the worthwhile coverage achieved during the year. Speaking on the report, Mr. J. F. Donovan commented that everybody could get on R.T.E. programmes and into the Press if they professed to criticise the legal profession. Since the Society appeared to take no action on these criticisms, he wondered if it was treating them as beneath contempt. The President, in reply, referred to the Press Conference which he had called, arising out of the programme on which Mr. O'Donnell appeared. That Press Conference had received wide publicity. Mr. O'Mahony suggested that there should be, within the profession a small group to analyse what was coming from the media, particularly T.V. and radio, and ensure that the contrary view point had a right of reply. He felt the profession should give a lead in this matter, and he volunteered his services. He commended the Public Relations Committee for the work done. The President referred to the Symposia held during the year, and those being planned for the coming year. These were being organised to get the legal implications of various situations across to the broadest possible spectrum of the public. The Society's efforts in mounting the Symposia had been very well received. Mr. Shields suggested that it might be worthwhile for the Public Relations Committee to consider organising television programmes, such as the recent Richard Dimbleby Lecture by Lord Denning. Education The President thanked Mr. Buckley for getting the New Course off the ground. Mr. T. C. G. O'Mahony congrat ulated Mr. Buckley on the progress of the Law School and on the Continuing Legal Education Programme. However, he wondered if an undue surplus was being made on the Continuing Legal Education Programme. Mr. Buckley explained that the figures shown took no account of the Society's overheads and that if these were included in the costs, a break even situation would arise. Mr. Meredith commented that the apprentice coming out from the New Course was a far more mature and ex- perienced person than the Old System apprentice who frequently came straight from school. The problem today was that Masters did not know how to use the new type of apprentice and many of them were getting frustrated. It was agreed in discussion that there was a need to communicate with Masters on the position. Publications No comment arose on this report. E.E.C. and International Affairs The President thanked Mr. Monahan for the work of the Committee. Public Relations

the Committee during the year and for the manner in which he had represented the Society at meetings of the C.C.B.E. In reply to Mr. O'Mahony, Mr. Monahan indicated that due to the massive amount of directives regulations etc. issuing from Brussels, it was not possible for an individual solicitor to keep abreast of develop ments. The Committee was trying to highlight those affecting the profession and also judgments of relevance in the Gazette. In reply to Mr. O'Mahony's contention that it was a serious matter if lawyers were not able to keep abreast of the law, Mr. Monahan made the point that while an enormous amount of material was coming through from Brussels, it was, at the same time, quite easy for a lawyer to follow through the material in which he had a particular interest at any given time. Mr. Moore said that in so far as E.E.C. literature was concerned, there was need for a special library. This had been brought to the notice of the Government some years ago. but the cost of the project had killed it. Premises To Mr. Moran, who complained of the inadequate toilet facilities in the Four Courts, the President explained that the gents toilet on the ground floor had been refurbished and put back into use. He added that the Premises Committee was anxious for suggestions from members as to how the Society's facilities might be improved. Mr. M. Kenny suggested that the tourist authorities be approached with a view to putting Blackhall Place on the bus tour circuit. Miss McCarthy asked if some definite arrangement could be made regarding the Dining Room as she had come for lunch on a number of occasions when it was closed, whereas on other days it was open. Mr. Collins said that this particular problem was under consideration at present. He emphasised the importance of telephoning before hand. Mr. Donovan pointed out that it was possible to make a reservation through the Four Courts. Mr. Garvan asked that some arrangements be made for the storing of coats in safe custody in the Four Courts. Conveyancing Committee No matter arose. The President thanked Mr. Shields and Mr. O'Donnell for their work on these Committees. Library The President proposed a vote of thanks to Miss M. Byrne, Librarian, and her staff, which was carried with applause. Bond Scheme At the request of the President, Mrs. Moya Quinlan drew the successful Bonds as follows: £ 1,000 Prize, Bond Nos 1375, 1147, 1444 and 1221. £500 Prize, Bond Nos. 1694, 1840, 1838 and 1 700. £250 Prize, Bond Nos. 1842 and 1281. Questions The President read the following question from Mr. T. C. G. O'Mahony and Mr. A. F. Hussey: 'In accordance with Bye Law 13 of the Company Law Committee No matter arose.

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