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GAZETTE
SEPTEMBER 1979
with satisfactory results. With the co-operation of the A.C.C. and the I.F.A., a seminar
on capital taxation was organised for local officers of the I.F.A. This was followed up by
discussions at local level, generating a wide degree of interest. To mark the "Year of the
Child", a further seminar was organised for special interest groups. Internally, the
Committee, through its Publications Committee and Editorial Group, has continued to
develop an extensive programme for the publication of legal textbooks and to improve the
Gazette.
To close off the year, it can be said that the use of Blackball Place as the location
for the resumed Bantry Bay Inquiry has brought much in the way of favourable comment
to the Society.
2.7
Premises:
That the Education and Public Relations Committees were able to
expand their programmes, during the year, is due to the fact that the Blackhall Place
premises became fully operational. To meet the needs of the apprentices, catering services
were provided on a limited basis and, with the advent of the Bantry Bay Inquiry, these
have been extended to serve the members. At the close of the year, a refurbished
gymnasium was brought into use as a lecture hall for the "old system" apprentices. In
addition, dressing room facilities were provided for those using the football field and
tennis court.
2.8
On 23rd July 1979, the President was pleased to receive an illuminated copy of
the 1916 Declaration from Mr. C. J. Haughey, T.D., Minister for Health and Social
Welfare, on behalf of the O'Connor family, in memory of the late Mr. John S. O'Connor.
It now hangs over the main staircase in Blackhall Place. On 25th July 1979, an
Taoiseach, Mr. Jack Lynch, T.D., re-presented to the President the gold key used by him
at the official opening of Blackhall Place.
2.9
During the year efforts to improve the facilities available at the Society's
premises in the Four Courts continued. Currently, the Society's architects are examining
the accommpdation to see what further improvements can be achieved. If, as would
appear to be the case, structural work is involved, the necessary work cannot be under-
taken until the next long vacation.
2.10
Parliamentary Affairs:
As will be seen from its report, the Parliamentary
Committee carried through an active year of dialogue with Government Departments, on
pending legislation. Members with interests in particular areas, could help the Committee
by submitting comments on draft legislation dealing with the particular interest. The
E.E.C. and Company Law Committees involved themselves in a similar way in relation to
proposed E.E.C. Directives.
2.11
Law Clerks:
The review of wages carried out by the Joint Labour Committee
early in the year involved the membership of the Society in substantially increased staff
payments at a time when it was having no success in improving its own income. The
revised rates, which came into effect in August 1979, place a heavy premium on the
proper utilisation of staff in solicitors' offices and the elimination of any dement of over-
manning. It is hoped to strengthen the Society's team on the Committee at the Council
meeting in November.
2.12
In May 1979, the President and Director General discussed his proposed
scheme of civil legal aid with Mr. G. Collins, Minister for Justice. It was made clear to
him that any scheme not involving the private practitioner would find little support
throughout the country. This view was reinforced in the recent discussions with F.L.A.C.
and with the Presidents and Secretaries of Bar Associations. At the close of the year the
Council of the Society was seeking further discussions with the Minister in the context of
the introduction of the scheme concurrently with a review of Court jurisdictions.
2.13
Bar Liaison:
Meetings with the General Council of the Bar of Ireland continued
on a regular basis during the year. Progress can be reported in ironing out problems of
mutual concern.
2.14
Members' Services:
During the year the following developments took place:
(i)
Professional Indemnity Insurance:
The arrangements with J. H. Minet (Ireland)
Ltd. continued in force although much dissatisfaction was expressed over the 65%
increase in the premiums. Nevertheless, the rates charged are still competitive by
comparison with those in force in neighbouring jurisdictions. As yet, despite the best
efforts of the Council, far too many practices do not carry professional indemnity
insurance, oblivious, apparently, of the risks to which they are liable. Many others
are covered for sums which are totally inadequate in the context of present-day
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