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GAZETTE
OCTOBER 1977
COMPENSATION FUND
COMMITTEE
David R. Pigot,
Chairman
William B. Alien
Donal G. Binchy,
Anthony E. Collins
Carmel Killeen
William D. McEvoy
Patrick F. O'Donnell
Michael V. O'Mahony
Thomas D. Shaw
Andrew F. Smyth
4.1
The Society is obliged by Statute to provide full indemnity to members of the public who suffer actual
financial loss as a result of defalcation by any practising Solicitor.
4.2
The contribution of each member of the Society to the Compensation Fund in 1977 was fixed at £50
(in the case of members admitted less than 3 years, £20).
4.3
Payments from the Fund in respect of ascertained losses and other expenses during the year to 30th
April 1977 amounted to £59,000 — an increase in excess of £17,500 over last year.
4.4
The book value of the Compensation Fund as at 30th April, 1977 was £490,338 — an increase in
excess of £47,500 as at the corresponding date last year.
4.5
To protect the Fund the Society during the year took out insurance indemnifying the Compensation
Fund against claims in excess of £250,000 in one year up to a maximum of £1,000,000.
4.6
The help and co-operation of the Society's Accountant, Mr. Patrick J. Connolly, and Mr. Martin
Healy, who took over the administration of the Fund on 1st May last, has been of much assistance too and
gready appreciated by the Committee.
4.7
Finally, as Chairman, may I express my personal thanks to all my colleagues on the Compensation
Fund Committee for their help and co-operation throughout the year.
PRIVILEGES
COMMITTEE
William B. Allen
Chairman
John Carrigan
Gerard M. Doyle
Robert M. Flynn
Thomas Jackson
John B. Jermyn
Carmel Killeen
John Maher
Patrick C. Moore
Moya Quinlan
Thomas D. Shaw
Andrew F. Smyth
William B. Allen
Chairman
5.1
During the past year your Committee met on twelve occasions and among the many matters
considered and dealt with were the following:
1. Complaint of a Firm of Accountants for employing a Solicitor for Company Formation though
aware that a Solicitor was already acting in the matter.
2. Complaint against R.T.E. re Programme criticising and naming a firm of Solicitors.
3. Complaint about a Solicitor for Trade Union approaching Members of the Union re Claims for
compensation without enquiring as to whether the person involved had a Private Solicitor.
4. Irish Auctioneers and Valuers - endeavouring to get an agreed scheme for appointment of
Auctioneers.
5. Advertising by Solicitors franking envelopes.
6. Liabilities of Solicitors re Undertakings.
7. Rights of Northern Ireland Solicitors to act in relation to property in the Republic of Ireland.
8. Institute of Auctioneers and Valuers and Livestock Salesmen — Form of Contract.
9. Complaint about a High Court Judge's remarks in Court on handling of Case by C.I.E. Solicitor.
10. F.L.A.C. Appointment of Community Law Officer.
11. Brian Bell and N.A.C.L.P.
12. Company Promotions and Company Printers.
13. Right of Solicitor to give lectures in Regional Technical College.
14. Prison Visits by Solicitors to Clients — Privileges.
15. Fees chargeable for Medical Reports — discussions with I.M.A-
16. Jordans Limited opening a Branch in Ireland.
17. Accident Advice Centre.
18. Sales procedure of National Building Agency in Galway.
19. Booking Deposits.
20. Complaint by Circuit Judge of non-appearance of Solicitor in Criminal matter.