The scheme of a Mediation Bill, providing both for lawyers and the courts to suggest to people involved in civil disputes that they consider mediation as an alternative to litigation, has been published by the Minister for Justice.
A Bill was promised in the programme for government, and a draft Bill was published by the Law Reform Commission in a 2010 report. The scheme of the Bill builds on its recommendations, said the Minister, Alan Shatter.
These included providing for an information session on mediation for those involved in family law disputes and for the regulation of the mediators’ profession. The draft Bill will be sent to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Justice, Defence and Equality for consideration.