The Gazette 1993

GAZETTE

MIWH NOVEMBER1993

Southern Hospitality Weekend The Solicitors Apprentices Debating Society of Ireland (SADSI) and The Law Society Younger Members Committee (YMC) jointly held a Southern Hospitality Weekend in Cork at the end of July. On the Friday evening a seminar was held at The Beamish & Crawford Hospitality Suite on the topic "Solicitors - Alternative Job Opportunities". Michael Lanigan - spoke on the possible openings for solicitors in the music business. John Campbell gave an insight into life as an in-house solicitor in an insurance company. Michael Moran outlined the opportunities for solicitors working with accountancy firms. The conclusion from the seminar was that there are opportunities available outside mainstream practice for solicitors. The seminar was followed by a disco at Hourigans Bar which attracted a large attendance. On Saturday afternoon a mixed hockey tournament was held at UCC Sportsground in the Mardyke. A sunny afternoon contributed to the enjoyment of all. Barry Galvin, Cork State Solicitor, chaired a debate on Saturday evening at UCC entitled: "The best thing to come out of Dublin is the road to Cork". The speakers for the motion were: Eamon Harrington, Don Ryan and Kevin Conway, speaking against the motion were: Sean Barton, Julie Rea and Graham O'Hanlon. A reception was held in the Staff Restaurant at UCC. A further get together for lunch on Sunday was held at the Western Star Pub. Our thanks go to our various sponsors namely: Beamish & Crawford pic; Southern Law Association; Collins Brooks & Associates, Solicitors; Solicitors Financial Services, and Irish Permanent Building Society.

of adjudication. As explained above, there is a right of appeal from the decision of the Commissioner to the Valuation Tribunal. In its short period of four years the Tribunal has proved to be a vast improvement on the previous regime of appeals to the Circuit Court. Cases are heard with minimal delay, the costs incurred are moderate and hearings are less formal than in a court room situation. There is general satisfaction with Tribunal decisions with few decisions being the subject of appeal to a higher authority.

In its short period of four years the Tribunal has proved to be a vast improvement on the previous regime of appeals to the Circuit Court. part of the solid portion of the earth's surface and, therefore, within the definition of land" (judgment of 12 October, 1992). Finally we may refer to the Telecom Eireann case where the Company's right to instal and operate payphones in St. Stephen's Shopping Centre, Dublin was deemed rateable, a Tribunal decision which was affirmed by the High Court (judgment of 5 October, 1992).

j

The requirement for a written judgement with reasons is of

particular benefit in creating a body of case law and stimulating discussion and reflection on valuation law as a whole. •

Conclusion

*Tom O'Connor is a former Commissioner of Valuation and lectures at the Institute of Public Administration.

The system of first appeals to the Commissioner, which has operated for almost 150 years, is widely accepted as an effective and inexpensive means

Th i rd T ime L u c ky

all the participants and the many supporters and spectators had enjoyed a marvellous day in the sun. The mixed doubles tennis tournament proved to be as popular as ever, and for those less energetic, Benny and the Jets provided the musical entertainment. The day's events rounded off at a disco in the Presidents Hall which continued into the wee small hours. Full credit to Orla Coyne for organising everything so well and grateful thanks to the Educational Building Society for their continued, very generous, sponsorship. The Solicitors Benevolent Association is among the charities which receive the proceeds.

It was a case of third time lucky for this year's Soccer Blitz, an annual event organised by the Younger Members Committee. Due to the inclement nature of the Summer weather, an outing usually scheduled for the month of May did not take place until 4 September and then only after it had been postponed on two separate occasions! Undaunted by these difficulties, twenty four teams entered the mixed football competition which this year, in an inspired departure from tradition, was run in the form of a round-Robin league ensuring that every team played a least two matches. For the record, the winners were Dublin Corporation Law Department who were given a good run for their money by the loosing finalists, Dublin Legal Agency, but not before

J.C.

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Pat Casey

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