The Gazette 1977

GAZETTE

MARCH 1977

LAUNCHING OF BOOK ON IRISH FAMILY LAW Mr. W. D. McEvoy, Chairman of the Public Relations Committee, presided at the official launching of Mr. Alan Shatter's book on Family Law in the Republic of Ireland, in the Library of Solicitors' Buildings, on Monday, 14th March, at 4.30 p.m. He said it was a privilege and a pleasure on behalf of the Society to welcome all present, and emphasised the great value of the new publication. The President of the High Court, Mr. Justice Finlay, thanked the Society for giving him the opportunity for the first time to launch a textbook on Irish Law and stressed the following reasons:- (1) It was precisely a textbook on Irish Law — an unusual event, as, unless it is subsidised, it does not pay an Irish lawyer, no matter how well qualified, to write a book on Irish Law. (2) He had known personally the excellent work performed by Mr. Shatter, whether as Chairman of FLAC, or as a solicitor, who had vast practical experience in Family Law. The scholarship and industry of the author were manifest. (3) The work itself was extremely good, and was well designed for practical use by Irish lawyers. (4) It was a specific book on Family Law. He thought that in 20 years the law on this topic would be judged not so much as a result of jurisprudence, but rather on the basis on which we personally applied Family Law. The President, Mr. Bruce St. John Blake, then said:- As President of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland it is my particular pleasure to welcome you all here as guests of the Society on the occasion of the publication of the book on Family Law in the Republic of Ireland by our colleague and brother solicitor, Alan Joseph Shatter. I am particularly glad to be able to record that a member of the solicitors' profession has made such a significant contribution to this most important topic of Family Law which is now engaging the attention of so many persons and organisations and in which the legal profession has such an important part to play. The Incorporated Law Society of Ireland is very glad indeed to be associated with the publication of this book which we have no doubt will have a much wider market than amongst the legal profession. The Society from limited resources is endeavouring to encourage writers in the legal and allied social fields but, such as they are, the limited resources will be made available for much worthwhile projects. In this way, the solicitors' profession is glad to have an opportunity of being involved in a direct and concrete fashion in assisting the community to better understand the human and social problems that the family in our society experiences in connection with the law. The author Alan Shatter has had a distinguished academic career and he has left a particular mark on the F.LA.C. movement during his term as Chairman of that most worthy organisation. From the point of view of the legal profession I am glad to welcome this book on Family Law in the Republic of Ireland because it will provide an invaluable text book not only for practitioners but for the specific aspect of the Society's new educational programme devoted to the topic of Family Law. The Society is determined that emerging solicitors will have a solid grasp of the possibilities and pitfalls in this area of Family Law. I would here like to also take the opportunity of further

indicating the Society's forward thinking in this field, namely the publication of a leaflet entitled "If a Family breaks up" which will be available for distribution later this week. In the legal profession we are particularly conscious that Family Law in this country is an area of rapid expansion. As the situation stands at present I do not believe that any of us can yet quite visualise how far this expansion will go and how it will be serviced. In this regard it is hoped that the Pringle Committee on Civil Legal Aid will recommend and that the Government will accept that Legal Aid be made available in respect of all aspects of Family Law. It is of the utmost importance that Court facilities and support staff should expand to meet the new demands that will be placed upon the administration of justice in the field of Family Law simultaneous with their rapid development. Unfortunately, the facilities that are at present available have fallen very far short of meeting the existing demand, but in this regard I am glad to be able to record the Society's welcome for the announcement by the Department of Justice of the proposed provision and expansion of facilities for Family Law Courts in the immediate future. I would finally again like to congratulate Mr. Shatter for the contribution he has made both to the legal profession, the study of law and the community in general by the publication of his book which I strongly commend to all organisations represented here to day and who have honoured the Society with their presence and to whom once again I say you are all most welcome and we in the legal profession look forward to working together with you in the service of the community in this all important human area of Family Law. The author, Mr. Alan Shatter, then thanked the speakers for their comments, and the Society for arranging the launching ceremony. Family Law in the Republic of Ireland, published by Wolfhound Press is available hardback at £12.10, and paperback at £7.98 V.A.T. inclusive. " ' INCORPORATED LAW SOCIETY OF IRELAND INSURANCE COMMITTEE Indemnity Insurance For Law Searchers At a recent meeting, it was agreed that members be advised that — (i) Law search firms should be insured to the same amount that the solicitor concerned is, and (ii) Solicitors should inspect the insurance receipt of the firm of law searchers each year.

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