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GAZETTE
DECEMBER 1980
Law School expenditure as between 1979 and 1980. In the
case of Law School, Mr. Curran pointed out that it had not
been running in its new form for the full year in 1979. Mr.
Curran also dealt with the query from Mr. B. Garvan on
the manner in which depreciation was treated. The
President thanked Mr. Curran for the work of the
Committee during the year.
Disciplinary
No comments arose on the Disciplinary Committee
report. The President thanked Mr. Doyle for the work of
the Committee.
Public Relations
The report was introduced by Mr. F. O'Donnell, who
was thanked by the President for the worthwhile coverage
achieved during the year. Speaking on the report, Mr. J.
F. Donovan commented that everybody could get on R.T.E.
programmes and into the Press if they professed to
criticise the legal profession. Since the Society appeared
to take no action on these criticisms, he wondered if it
was treating them as beneath contempt. The President, in
reply, referred to the Press Conference which he had
called, arising out of the programme on which Mr.
O'Donnell appeared. That Press Conference had received
wide publicity. Mr. O'Mahony suggested that there
should be, within the profession a small group to analyse
what was coming from the media, particularly T.V. and
radio, and ensure that the contrary view point had a right
of reply. He felt the profession should give a lead in this
matter, and he volunteered his services. He commended
the Public Relations Committee for the work done. The
President referred to the Symposia held during the year,
and those being planned for the coming year. These were
being organised to get the legal implications of various
situations across to the broadest possible spectrum of the
public. The Society's efforts in mounting the Symposia
had been very well received. Mr. Shields suggested that it
might be worthwhile for the Public Relations Committee to
consider organising television programmes, such as the
recent Richard Dimbleby Lecture by Lord Denning.
Education
The President thanked Mr. Buckley for getting the New
Course off the ground. Mr. T. C. G. O'Mahony congrat
ulated Mr. Buckley on the progress of the Law School
and on the Continuing Legal Education Programme.
However, he wondered if an undue surplus was being
made on the Continuing Legal Education Programme.
Mr. Buckley explained that the figures shown took no
account of the Society's overheads and that if these were
included in the costs, a break even situation would arise.
Mr. Meredith commented that the apprentice coming out
from the New Course was a far more mature and ex-
perienced person than the Old System apprentice who
frequently came straight from school. The problem today
was that Masters did not know how to use the new type of
apprentice and many of them were getting frustrated. It
was agreed in discussion that there was a need to
communicate with Masters on the position.
Publications
No comment arose on this report.
E.E.C. and International Affairs
The President thanked Mr. Monahan for the work of
the Committee during the year and for the manner in
which he had represented the Society at meetings of the
C.C.B.E. In reply to Mr. O'Mahony, Mr. Monahan
indicated that due to the massive amount of directives
regulations etc. issuing from Brussels, it was not possible
for an individual solicitor to keep abreast of develop
ments. The Committee was trying to highlight those
affecting the profession and also judgments of relevance
in the Gazette. In reply to Mr. O'Mahony's contention
that it was a serious matter if lawyers were not able to
keep abreast of the law, Mr. Monahan made the point
that while an enormous amount of material was coming
through from Brussels, it was, at the same time, quite
easy for a lawyer to follow through the material in which
he had a particular interest at any given time. Mr. Moore
said that in so far as E.E.C. literature was concerned,
there was need for a special library. This had been
brought to the notice of the Government some years ago.
but the cost of the project had killed it.
Premises
To Mr. Moran, who complained of the inadequate
toilet facilities in the Four Courts, the President
explained that the gents toilet on the ground floor had
been refurbished and put back into use. He added that the
Premises Committee was anxious for suggestions from
members as to how the Society's facilities might be
improved. Mr. M. Kenny suggested that the tourist
authorities be approached with a view to putting
Blackhall Place on the bus tour circuit. Miss McCarthy
asked if some definite arrangement could be made
regarding the Dining Room as she had come for lunch
on a number of occasions when it was closed, whereas on
other days it was open. Mr. Collins said that this
particular problem was under consideration at present.
He emphasised the importance of telephoning before
hand. Mr. Donovan pointed out that it was possible to
make a reservation through the Four Courts. Mr. Garvan
asked that some arrangements be made for the storing of
coats in safe custody in the Four Courts.
Company Law Committee
No matter arose.
Conveyancing Committee
No matter arose. The President thanked Mr. Shields
and Mr. O'Donnell for their work on these Committees.
Library
The President proposed a vote of thanks to Miss
M. Byrne, Librarian, and her staff, which was carried
with applause.
Bond Scheme
At the request of the President, Mrs. Moya Quinlan
drew the successful Bonds as follows: £ 1,000 Prize, Bond
Nos 1375, 1147, 1444 and 1221. £500 Prize, Bond
Nos. 1694, 1840, 1838 and 1 700. £250 Prize, Bond Nos.
1842 and 1281.
Questions
The President read the following question from Mr. T.
C. G. O'Mahony and Mr. A. F. Hussey:
'In accordance with Bye Law 13 of the
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