The Gazette 1984

DECEMBER 1984

GAZETTE

Wide-ranging Discussions at Society's A.G.M.

D ISCUSSIONS ranging I' computerisation to the need for greater s^ppor' for (he Solicitors' Benevolent Society engaged the concern of members of .he Incorporated Law Society of Ireland at the Society's annual general meeting at Blackhail Place, Dublin on Friday, November 16, 1984. The President, Mr. Frank O'Dor ne!'., took the Chair and after the formalities and the Mb.mes of the half- yearly general meeting (published if. the Gazette, June, 1984) were agreed the Minutes were signed. A record of the attendance at the A.G.M. is recorded in the Attendance Book. Accounts & Balance Sheet The adoption of the audited accounts and balance sheet for the year ended 31st December, 1983, was proposed by Mrs. M. Quinlan and seconded by Mr. W. Beatty. In reply to Mr. V. Crowley, Mr. T. Shaw (Chairman, Finance Committee) explained that the increase in the deprecia- tion figure in the Law School accounts was due to the accelerated write-off of the capital expenditure on the Society's computer. In response to Mr. T.C.G. O'Mahony, Mr. Shaw explained that the amount written-o.T in total on the computer was £23,000 and in addition, a sum of £27,000 was spent on upgrading the computer. He added that before upgrading the computer, the Society had sought detailed advice as to what should be done. Again in response to Mr. O'Mahony, Mr J Sweeney, Chairman, Technology Committee, made t' j poim that the Societv .equired that more of its work be computerised rather lhan the amount of computerisation be reduced. Mr. Shaw indicated that he would be quite prepared to give further information on any matter relating to the accounts on a written question. The accounts were formally adopted. The President thanked Messrs Coopers & Lybrand for their assistance during the year and asked Mr. Dick Lane to convey the Society's thanks to his partners. Coopers & Lybrand were re-appointed Auditors on the proposition of Mr. T.S. Shaw, seconded by Mr. J. Maher. Ballot for Council 1984/85 The report of the Scrutineers on the election for Council for 1984/85 was presented anckthe Scrutineers v/ere thanked by the President f r the expeditious manner in which they completed the election count. A^ the President's request Mr. Tierney explained that votes had been spoiled in the course of the election through members not reading carefully the instructions on the ballot paper. Details of the ballot were published in the November Gazette. Council 's kcport 1983/84 Adoption i /the Council's Report for the year 1983/84 was proposed by Mr. Maurice Curran, seconded by Mr. Frank Daly. The President theft presented his Report and the Reports of tbr Cominiitees f^r d i s c i ; o n . It was noted

thai the name r N .. Gerard Doyle had been omitted from the memoei shu- of the Disciplinary Committee. President's Report In response to a qu. cy from Mr. T.C.G. O'Mahony, the President exp.aiin.J t!;e developments which had taken place regarding amendment of the Solicitors' Acts. He made it clear that at this stage, he was not free to disclose to members generally the progress which had been made in discussions v im the Department of Justice. Mr. O'Mahony come f e d that the profession as a whole should be brought in. ,he Council's confidence and that the matter should be dealt by way of a Special General Meeting. Mr. Quentin Crivon said he felt that the Council was adopting a high-handed approach. There should have been advance consultation with members on a matter as fundamental as the amendment of the Solicitors' Acts. Mr. M. Curran explained that until the Society had competed its discussions with the Department of Justice, and agreement in principle was reached, it would not be possible for the Council to take the profession into its confidence. Mr. John Schutte said the problem of secrecy in the conduct of the Society's affairs was important. In his experience, members f.'t a bit isolated from the^workings of the Council and op s '.iat account, in the coming year, he would like to see more openness. Concluding the disi <.»s ,ion, the President pointed out that in his meet- \ith variola Bar Associations throughout the ccu. uy, he had given them a broad outline as to the approac h the Society would be adopting. He intimated that the Council had decided to seek lay participation in the operation of the Disciplinary Committee. Also, the Council had adopted revised Solicitors' Accounts Regulations on 3rd October, 1984. Mr. Connolly explained that the effect of the revised Regulations wa$ to put the onus on the solicitor to reconcile clients' age ,unts twice a year. On the question of establishing a panel of solicitors to act in cases of negligence, the President commented that it S^ was quite clear that in the public mind, there was a riticism of the profession in this matter. In rural areas, was a considerable reluctance on the part of a ^Nm tlftfre solicitor to sue a colleague. Hence, he thought it well to formalise, insofar as possible, the ad-hoc arrangements Which had existed. On the Restrictive Practice! Commission, Mr. T.C.G. O'Mahony commented that since the Report on the Conveyancing Monopoly was a fundamental matter for the profession, he felt the Council and the Committees c icerned should press the matter harder than they appe.r ,d to have done with a view to an early publication of li> . Report. The meeting notet with concern that, as yet, no progress had been ma», with the Irish Medical Organisa- tion in the matter of ,'vir unilateral increase in fees for reports and court aiten lances. Compensation Fund Mr. G. Dovl. su:d c would like to think the Fund 265