Organisations and individuals recognised for excellence in mediation

The outcome of the MII Awards for Achievement in Family (Separating Couples) Mediation 2015 were announced in front of over 200 delegates at the conference in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Gerry Rooney, president of MII, told the conference: “Despite the failure of the government to deliver the Mediation Bill, mediation is increasingly being recognised as a premier process for resolving disputes and increasingly being used by the Irish legal system.

“Irish and international judges, including Brussels Judge Avi Schneebalg - who addressed conference today - are promoting mediation as an option before requiring the bench to issue adjudication.”

The Family Mediation Service, Court Services and Mr T Ward, Mediation Border Counties and Family Mediation Northern Ireland were all recognised with awards.

Individual awards also went to Ann O’Kelly for her work in “promoting the voice of the child in Mediation”, Suin Kearney for her “trail blazing work” and “engagement with the legal profession in order to promote an understanding of mediation”, and Delma Sweeney for “a life time of the practice of mediation”.

Congratulating the winners, Mr Rooney said: “It is fitting that as we look to the future, this year’s conference recognises the achievements of organisations and individuals who have made a significant contribution to Family Mediation in Ireland.

“It was this sector that provided the starting point for the establishment of our Institute and it remains a significant and vibrant component of the practice of mediation in Ireland today.”