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2.1 The year under review marks a milestone in the history of the Society in that Mr. E. A.
COUNCIL
Plunkett retired from the office of Secretary after many years of faithful and untiring service.
The occasion of his retirement was marked by a presentation at the Annual General Meeting,
November 1974.
2.2 In anticipation of Mr. Plunkett's impending retirement Council sought the advice of a
Management Consultant as to how best the post of the Society's Chief Executive should be
filled. He recommended the filling of the post by way of open competition and that it should
be entitled "Director General" in keeping with the developing role of the Society and the
new challenges it would face in the years ahead. Mr. James J. Ivers took up duty on 1st
October 1973.
2.3 In its ordinary workings the Council delegates the processing of routine work to its
Committees. This leaves it free to consider policy recommendations arising from the Com-
mittees and matters of urgent public importance.
2.4 Council's major task in 1973/74 was in the educational field. As a result of the work of
the Court of Examiners, it was in a position to make progress on the entry level to the profession
to the extent that as from 1st October 1975, the normal method of entry will be by way of
a university degree. To progress the matter further, on the recommendation of the Court of
Examiners, Council has now established a sub-Committee charged with the specific task of
preparing in detail the new educational arrangements. This Committee, which is widely drawn,
has already commenced its work.
2.5 Because of the provisions contained in the White Paper on Capital Taxation, the Finance
Act, 1974 and the efforts of the Revenue Commissioners in relation to Section 176 and 500
of the Finance Act, 1967, much of Council's time was devoted to consideration of reports
from the Parliamentary Committee, deputations and legal opinion on these topics.
2.6 With the assistance of the Parliamentary Committee and special interest groups, Council
ensured that the Society's viewpoint on pending legislation and Government White Papers
was submitted to the appropriate authorities. As and when suitable, these views were also
communicated to the public through the medium of the Press and radio/television. Council
records its appreciation of the support given by the Communications media throughout the
year.
2.7 In an effort to overcome delays and, where possible, simplify procedures Council initiated
discussions with the various public service offices with which the profession has contact. While
it was not possible to meet the Society's viewpoint in all areas, reasonable progress has been
made. The situation will be kept under review. Thanks are expressed to the officers in the
various offices including the Department of Justice, Land Registry, Land Commission, Estate
Duty Office and Valuation Office.
2.8 Council initiated a major review of conveyancing procedures and established a special
committee for the purpose under the Chairmanship of Mr. Anthony Osborne. The Committee
hopes to present its report to the Summer Meeting, 1975.
2.9 Because of the increasing impact of E.E.C. developments a special committee under the
Chairmanship of Mr. B. O'Connor was set up to review and process all matters relating to
Company Law.
2.10 In the international area Council maintained its connection with the l.B.A. and joined
the Commission Consultative des Barreaux and the U1NL. It was represented at the meetings
of all these bodies.
Peter D. M. Prentice,
President
William A. Osborne
Bruce St. John Blake
Vice-Presidents
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