The Gazette 1995

GAZETTE

DECEMBER 1995

bolster the medicolegal evidence, it would appear to me that these two different reports are being equated as being of equal importance and I contend that they should not. The latter report lacks the subtlety of the former since the specialist involved in treating the individual has observed the patient over time rather than gathering as much information as he can in one consultation in order to produce an expert opinion. I would respectfully suggest that all judges should differentiate between these two types of report and weigh the evidence accordingly. Most of the illness that exists in society is dealt with at primary care level without ever being referred to secondary or hospital care. Similarly, many of the cases of personal injury are dealt with in the community and do not require the services of a specialist for assessment. Therefore requests for specialist opinion are involving a level of care inappropriate to the patient's medical needs. This growing practice is introducing a distorting factor into medical practice whereby patients are being referred because of legal demand rather than medical necessity. Perhaps members of the legal profession should reassess the appropriateness of requesting specialist referral.

Notice - Joint Planning Examination - April 1996

The Joint Examination, set by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) in the guise of the Joint Planning Examination Board (JPEB), is to be held in April 1996. The examination is open to qualified legal practitioners and successful candidates in the examination will, subject to satisfying the practice requirements, be able to apply for Legal Associateship of the RTPI. Candidates will be given the opportunity of answering the papers set in terms of either English, Scottish, Northern or Republic of Ireland law. Solicitors practising in England and Wales who sit the examination in terms of English law and who satisfy the selection criteria may also apply for membership of

the Law Society's Planning Panel. Closing Date for Applications is 1 February 1996 Candidates will be expected to have knowledge of current Acts, Regulations, official circulars, etc. and also material relevant to the subject matter of the Syllabus published from time to time. Questions may be set on legislation or other official documents which are published up to three months before the examination. Enquiries and requests for information should be made to Paul Dempsey, Professional Accreditation, Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch, England, B98 0TD, DX 19114, tel: 0171 242 1222 extension 3283, or 01527 517141 (local calls).

Compensation Fund Payments Out - October 1995

Thomas J. Furlong, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. John K. Brennan, Mayfield, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Thomas B. Murphy,

The following claim amounts were admitted by the Compensation Fund Committee and approved for payment by the Council at its meeting in October 1995.

2,503.78

5,609.37

IR£

Peter M. Fortune,

l ,000.00

38 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

4,000.00

Castle House, Castle Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

Yours sincerely

James C. Glynn,

5,415.00

Dublin Road, Tuam, Co. Galway.

Dr. Leonard Condren

18,528.15

Doyle Court Reporters Principal: Áine O'Farrell Court, Conference, AGMs, Business Meetings, Arbitrations. Verbatim Reporting - Daily Transcripts 2, Arran Quay, Dublin 7. Tel: 872 2833 or 286 2097 (After Hours) Fax: 872 4486 Excellence in (Reporting since 1954

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