Mediators frustrated by delay to Mediation Bill

Irish mediators have voiced their frustration over an unexpected delay to the Mediation Bill, which will return to the Dáil after being amended in the Seanad last night.

Senators approved an amendment proposed by Senator Lynn Ruane which sought to quell concerns that women could be pressured to take part in mediation with abusive partners.

The amendment states that “the solicitor must advise the client that mediation is voluntary” and that it may not be appropriate in the dispute “where the safety of the client and/or their children is at risk”.

However, the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII) has said the amendment was unnecessary and was delaying the legislative process.

Sabine Walsh, MII president, told Irish Legal News today: “We are hugely disappointed that the Mediation Bill was not passed without amendment in the Seanad yesterday.

“The one amendment that was made to the Bill, although made with good intent, was not necessary as the voluntary nature of the mediation process was already enshrined in the Bill.

“We have campaigned for almost 25 years for such a Bill and this Mediation Bill has been in gestation for over seven years, so the fact that the Bill now must go back to the Dáil in the autumn before it can be enacted is extremely frustrating.

“However, the MII will continue to push as hard as possible to get the Bill over this final hurdle.”