Mediation Bill signed into law

Legislation to promote the use of mediation as an alternative to court proceedings has been signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins.

The Department of Justice has said the law signed yesterday will speed up resolution of disputes, reduce legal costs associated with such disputes, and reduce or avoid the stress involved in adversarial court proceedings.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators said it welcomed “the signing of the Mediation Act by the President, thereby bringing it into force”.

Bill Holohan, chair of CIARb’s Ireland branch as well as a solicitor and accredited mediator, said: “This is a further welcome part of the reform of the legal system and will be particularly welcomed by the business community as it will provide for a cheaper method of resolving disputes than the traditional and expensive litigation system.”

Mr Holohan added: “Disputes can be resolved using ADR methods, whether that be adjudication, arbitration, conciliation or mediation, at a fraction of the cost of litigation through the courts.”