Irish Mediation Act 2017

The much anticipated Mediation Bill 2017 was signed into law by the President yesterday. The Act places a statutory obligation on all practising solicitors to advise their clients about mediation prior to issuing legal proceedings.

Please see our previously published note on the pertinent provisions of the Act here.

Mediation has become increasingly popular as a means of resolving disputes. One of the keys to its success is identifying cases in which the use of mediation is appropriate. It is an effective and efficient means of dispute resolution and can lead to significant reductions in indemnity and defence costs. It is to be hoped that the new Act will bear fruit in terms of effective and early resolution of disputes.