The Gazette 1974

Where the applicant has any other degree, again sub-

ject to passing the statutory First Irish Examination and

obtaining a master, he will be allowed to commence

a 3 year apprenticeship. Before being admitted to the

Society's Law School, he will be required to pass an

examination at degree level in Contract, Property, and

Tort, Constitutional Law and two optional subjects. It

is hoped in discussion with the Universities, to arrange

that such persons will be in a position to attend the

appropriate University lectures and sit the appropriate

University examinations, which would be recognized for

the Society's purposes.

As I mentioned earlier, there are approximately 600

apprentices in training. There are some 1500 solicitors

in practice. By comparison Scotland with a population

of 5,212,000 and a comprehensive system of legal aid,

has 3,500 solicitors in practice. Notwithstanding our

high apprentice/solicitor ration, there is an unsatisfied

demand for apprenticeship. The Society being conscious

of the problem of obtaining masters, agreed on 7

February 1974, that in these special circumstances, it

would be prepared to consider applications from solici-

tors generally for second apprentices subject to there

being a minimum of a year between the commence-

ment of the individual apprenticeship. Also, as an ex-

ceptional measure, it agreed to allow solicitors of 5-7

years standing to take apprentices subject to the

Society's approval in each case. While the Society has

taken steps to ease entry into the profession, I feel that

some comment is necessary on the capacity of the pro-

fession to absorb the numbers which now appear to be

seeking admission. In 1960 the Society had an intake

of about 30 apprentices per year, whereas today that

figure is rising towards 150 a year. How far this is a

reflection of the difficulty of getting into other pro-

fessions through the raising of the University entrance

standards, is difficult to say, but undoubtedly it is a

factor. Under the new arrangements when entry to the

profession at the academic level will be broadly on a

par with that to other professions, the actual numbers

seeking admission may decline somewhat. On a com-

parison with Scotland given that a scheme of free legal

aid and advice in civil matters is inaugurated, then it is

reasonable to suggest that the number of practising

solicitors could grow to about 2,000, an increase of

one third over the existing number in practice. Also,

it is possible that the solicitor of the future may turn

his thoughts towards employment i n the industrial,

commercial and administrative world in either a specifi-

cally legal situation or in a managerial assignment.

Concluding on the subject of legal education, might

I say that the Society is very conscious that there may

be criticism of the length of apprenticeship—3 years for

a person with a University degree. This is a statutory

requirement provided for under Section 26 of the Solici-

tors' Acts 1954-1960 and the Second Schedule to the

Act. It cannot be altered without amending legislation.

As and when an opportunity presents itself for amend-

ing legislation, something we do not anticipate at an

early date, the position of apprenticeship will be re-

viewed. In the meantime, the Society will have had the

opportunity of reviewing the situation in light of ex-

perience gained with the new arrangements. Since 1961

we have tried in vain to obtain amending legislation.

Professor Ryan of Cork, Mr. Sweeney of Galway, and

the Minister have been most helpful.

Other activities of the Society

Turning briefly to other areas of the Society's en-

deavours you should be aware t h a t:

The Society and local Bar Associations have coif*

mented in detail on the Reports on Court Practice ,

and Procedure.

The Society has through its expert

Committees •

assisted the Department of Justice, the Department o' j

Industry and Commerce and the Dail Committee

0,1

Secondary Legislation on E.E.C. matters.

The Society has commented, as

opportune

0,1

pending legislation and Government reports. At present

its major concern is to comment on the various Whi

Papers on Capital Taxation. As part of its en-

deavours in this area, it has sought and will be obtain-

ing next week the advice of a Danish expert in.tjl

area, Mr. Koch Nielsen, who is coming over special')

to assist us.

As a conscious policy, the Society is making consider

able efforts to improve communication and liaison wit

its members throughout the country. Here I would I

1 Oof

to thank the committees and members of the local v*

Associations for their co-operation with the

Director

General and for the welcome and the hospitality show

to him. The interchange of views on the occasions

his visits have been most useful in the development

the Council's ideas and policies.

The general current view is that premiums

not be paid by apprentices, but apprentices should &

paid according to the difficulty of work they perform

The Society has paid attention to the reports of

Committee on Court Practice and Procedure.

)

Osborne's excellent report on Court Organisation h?"

been generally commended and is being published

1,1

the Gazette.

By way of conclusion, having outlined the activity

and I hope, progress of the Society I feel you woul

like me to express your appreciation to the member

of the Council and the various Committees of tn

Society for their efforts.

In the course of the discussion, Mr. Gerard Doy'

mentioned the difficulty of apprentices finding masted

and asked what steps were being taken in the educate

of suitable law clerks.

Mr. Dundon, Chairman of the Court of Examifl

stated that this matter had been fully considered 6)

them, and that the implementation of the progra

outlined by the President would call for the appoi

ment of many additional examiners and lecturers.

Mr. Brendan O'Maoleoin complimented the Direct

General upon the more popular image which the soli

tors were getting. While praising the

Gazette,

thought that, with some assistance, the publications

the Society could be expanded, in association with ty

Council of Law Reporting. The Director-General, wh''

stressing that the resources of the Society were limit

considered legal education as a priority and hoped th

the difficult position in regard to Irish legal textboo^

would improve. Messrs. T. C. G. O 'Mahony, N'

O'Neill and Michael O'Connor also spoke. Mr. Jaifl

O'Donovan complimented the President upon the

forms in legal education which he had announce

The President then declared the meeting closed.

144