457 / 736
may not understand
the need
for many steps and
requirements which are commonplace to lawyers and
this client "is entitled to a proper explanation as
to
what has to be or has been done and failing it will
blame the lawyer concerned and possibly
the whole
profession." The business of keeping a client adequately
informed may often be an extra burden on the hard
pressed practitioner but the extra effort may well save
much work and expense in the long run by obviating
complaints. The Council recognises
that a complaint
that a solicitor has fallen short of the professions high
standard of conduct or efficiency must be investigated
and while there is no reason to think that such com
plaints are not adequately and fairly dealt with, steps
are being taken to ensure that so far as the resources
and staff of the Society allow, the machinery for dealing
with complaints is up to date and satisfactory.
BAR ASSOCIATIONS
I should like to emphasise the importance of active
local Bar Associations. Already during my period of
office I have had contacts with a number of Associations
and have been impressed bv the harmony and goodwill
which
they foster and which helps
to srengthen the
profession. If there are still any areas where associations
are moribund or non-existent I would be pleased to offer
my assistance and that of the Secretariat in helping to
start or re-organise a local Bar Association.
SOCIETY OF YOUNG SOLICITORS
I was very happy to attend the successful Seminar
held recently in Cork and to find that this Societv is
still vigorously pursuing
its
aims which
are
fully
endorsed by the Council.
CONCLUSION
I have been greatly helped and encouraged by my
two Vice-Presidents. Mr. Bre"dan McGrath and Mr.
T. V. O'Connor and by the other Members of Council
during the first months of mv period in office and I
have received constant assistant and guidance from Mr.
Eric Plunkett, Mr. Joseph Finnegan, Mr. Martin Healy
and all the staff. I know I can depend on all their help
in future and I shall continue to do my best for our
profession.
Messrs. M. B. O'Maoleoin. Kevin Burke and T. C.
G. O'Mnho'v snoke on matters arising on the President's
statement. The proceedings then terminated.
MEETINGS
OF THE COUNCIL
March 19th
The President in the chair also present: Messrs.
Francis Lanigan, George Nolan, T. V. O'Connor,
Gerald Y. Goldberg, Gerard M. Doyle, Desmond
Moran, Peter D. M. Prentice, James W. O'Don-
ovan, John Maher, Humphrey P. Kelleher, John
O'Meara, William M. Cahir, W. A. Osborne,
Eunan McCarron, P. C. Moore, Senator J. J.
Nash, Gerald Hickey, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick,
Brendan A. McGrath, Patrick Noonan, Peter E.
O'Connell, Thomas
Jackson, Walter Beatty,
Robert McD. Taylor, Mrs. Moya Quinlan, Bruce
St.
J. Blake, Christopher Hogan, Patrick F.
O'Donnell, Norman Spendlove.
The following was among the business trans
acted.
Professional negligence idemnity insurance
The Council received a report from a special
sub-committee appointed to consider this matter
which unanimously resolved
that
the
scheme
submitted by Coyle & Co. (Insurance) Ltd., on
behalf of the Federated Employers Association
Ltd., should be adopted and put into operation
immediately.
Schedule 2 charges
A sub-committee of the Council submitted a
draft application for an increase in the charges
under Schedule 2 Solicitors Remuneration General
Orders 1884-1964. It awaits consideration by the
Statutory Body.
Fusion of the two branches of the profession
The Council received a report from the Policy
committee which was discussed and adopted. A
copy of the report is published at page 23 of this
issue. It has been forwarded to the committee
on Court Practice and Procedure.
Committee vacancies
Following the resignation of Mr. Desmond J.
Collins, the following changes were made in the
committees to the Council.
Court of Examiners: Mr. David R. Pigot to
replace Mr. Desmond J. Collins.
Joint Committee with the Bar Council: Mr.
Gerald J. Hickey to replace Mr. Desmond J.
Collins.
Parliamentary Committee: Mr. John Maher to
be Chairman of the Committee in place of Mr.
Desmond J. Collins.
Disciplinary Committee: Mr. T. V. O'Connor
having
resigned
from
the Committee,
it was
decided that the name of Mr. Thomas H. Bacon,
with his consent, be submitted to the President of