{"id":21507,"date":"2017-06-24T20:50:55","date_gmt":"2017-06-24T20:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/?p=21507"},"modified":"2023-08-27T22:28:50","modified_gmt":"2023-08-27T22:28:50","slug":"mediation-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/","title":{"rendered":"Mediation Act"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Mediation_Act_Scope\" title=\"Mediation Act Scope\">Mediation Act Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Non-Application\" title=\"Non-Application\">Non-Application<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Participation\" title=\"Participation\">Participation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Agreement_Confidentiality\" title=\"Agreement &amp; Confidentiality\">Agreement &amp; Confidentiality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Role_of_the_Mediator\" title=\"Role\u00a0 of the\u00a0 Mediator.\">Role\u00a0 of the\u00a0 Mediator.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Enforceability_of_Mediation_Settlements\" title=\"Enforceability\u00a0 of Mediation\u00a0 Settlements\">Enforceability\u00a0 of Mediation\u00a0 Settlements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Oversight_and_Regulation\" title=\"Oversight and Regulation\">Oversight and Regulation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Codes_of_Practice\" title=\"Codes of Practice\">Codes of Practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Duty_of_Solicitor_before_Litigation\" title=\"Duty of Solicitor before Litigation\">Duty of Solicitor before Litigation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Role_of_Court_in_Mediation\" title=\"Role of Court in Mediation\">Role of Court in Mediation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Mediation_Stay_Proceedings\" title=\"Mediation Stay Proceedings\">Mediation Stay Proceedings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Fees_and_costs_of_Mediation\" title=\"Fees\u00a0 and\u00a0 costs\u00a0 of\u00a0 Mediation\">Fees\u00a0 and\u00a0 costs\u00a0 of\u00a0 Mediation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Mediation_Council\" title=\"Mediation Council\">Mediation Council<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/mediation-act\/#Mediation_Information_Sessions\" title=\"Mediation Information Sessions\">Mediation Information Sessions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mediation_Act_Scope\"><\/span>Mediation Act Scope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Mediation act 2017 was designed to provide a single legal framework for mediation. Mediation is an alternative method of dispute resolution court proceedings. It Seeks to reduce costs, relieve stress and acrimony and and speed up dispute resolution.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cmediation\u201d is defined as a\u00a0 confidential, facilitative and voluntary process in which parties to a dispute, with the assistance of a mediator, attempt to reach a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve the dispute;<\/p>\n<p>The mediation act framework is additional to other legal provisions providing for mediation and other alternative dispute resolution<\/p>\n<p>Participation in mediation is voluntary. A party may withdraw at any time. Mediation may take place before or after proceedings have issued and at any time before the dispute is resolved.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Non-Application\"><\/span>Non-Application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The\u00a0 legislation\u00a0 does\u00a0 not apply\u00a0 to certain\u00a0 types of proceedings,<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0proceedings under the\u00a0 Arbitration\u00a0 Act,<\/li>\n<li>disputes arising within\u00a0 an employment\u00a0 context\u00a0 referred\u00a0 to statutory\u00a0 dispute-resolution processes such as those provided\u00a0 by the\u00a0 Workplace\u00a0 Relations\u00a0 Commission;<\/li>\n<li>matters under tax and customs legislation;<\/li>\n<li>proceedings under the Child Care\u00a0 Acts or the Domestic\u00a0 Violence\u00a0 Acts.<\/li>\n<li>judicial review proceedings and proceedings against the State in respect of alleged infringements\u00a0 of\u00a0 fundamental\u00a0 rights\u00a0 and\u00a0 freedoms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Participation\"><\/span>Participation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A party\u00a0 may\u00a0 be\u00a0 accompanied\u00a0 by another\u00a0 person (including\u00a0 a\u00a0 legal\u00a0 adviser) who is not\u00a0 a\u00a0 party\u00a0 to\u00a0 the\u00a0 mediation .\u00a0 It\u00a0 is a\u00a0 \u00a0a\u00a0 matter\u00a0 for\u00a0 the\u00a0 parties\u00a0 themselves\u00a0 to\u00a0 determine\u00a0 the outcome of the mediation.\u00a0 Both the mediator\u00a0 and the parties are, however, required\u00a0 to\u00a0 make\u00a0 every\u00a0 reasonable\u00a0 effort\u00a0 to\u00a0 conclude\u00a0 the\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 in\u00a0 an expeditious manner in order to minimise the costs involved.<\/p>\n<p>A mediator may withdraw from the mediation at any time during the mediation\u00a0 by notice\u00a0 in writing to the parties\u00a0 stating the mediator\u2019s general\u00a0 reasons for the withdrawal.\u00a0 This could arise, for example,\u00a0 from\u00a0 the\u00a0 emergence\u00a0 of\u00a0 a\u00a0 possible\u00a0 conflict\u00a0 of\u00a0 interests\u00a0 for\u00a0 the mediator during the mediation. Fees paid in advance to any extent are to be refunded. These are not to be contingent on the outcome under any circumstances.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Agreement_Confidentiality\"><\/span>Agreement &amp; Confidentiality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Before commencement mediation the parties concerned and proposed mediator are to sign an agreement to mediate document. This is to appoint a mediator and also to deal with the following<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>he manner in which the mediation is to be conducted;<\/li>\n<li>the manner in which the fees and costs of the mediation will be paid;<\/li>\n<li>the place and time at which the mediation is to be conducted;<\/li>\n<li>the fact that the mediation is to be conducted in a confidential manner;<\/li>\n<li>the right of each of the parties to seek legal advice;<\/li>\n<li>the manner in which the mediation may be terminated;<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0such other terms (if any) as may be agreed between the parties and the mediator.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There is a\u00a0 general\u00a0 confidentiality\u00a0 obligation\u00a0 on\u00a0 the\u00a0 mediator and\u00a0 parties\u00a0 to\u00a0 a\u00a0 mediation.\u00a0 This\u00a0 does not,\u00a0 , apply\u00a0 where\u00a0 disclosure is necessary in order to implement or enforce a mediation\u00a0 settlement or\u00a0 is\u00a0 otherwise\u00a0 required\u00a0 by\u00a0 law.\u00a0 Disclosure\u00a0 may\u00a0 also\u00a0 be\u00a0 justified\u00a0 where necessary to prevent physical or psychological\u00a0 injury to a party or to prevent\u00a0 commission\u00a0 or\u00a0 concealment\u00a0 of\u00a0 a\u00a0 crime.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_the_Mediator\"><\/span>Role\u00a0 of the\u00a0 Mediator.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Prior to\u00a0 the\u00a0 commencement of the mediation, the\u00a0 mediator is\u00a0 to\u00a0 make\u00a0 reasonable\u00a0 enquiries to\u00a0 determine\u00a0 whether\u00a0 he\u00a0 or\u00a0 she\u00a0 may\u00a0 have\u00a0 any\u00a0 actual\u00a0 or\u00a0 potential\u00a0 conflict of\u00a0 interest;\u00a0 a\u00a0 mediator\u00a0 may\u00a0 not\u00a0 act\u00a0 in\u00a0 the\u00a0 event\u00a0 of\u00a0 such\u00a0 a\u00a0 conflict.<\/p>\n<p>The mediator\u00a0 must\u00a0 supply\u00a0 details\u00a0 of\u00a0 qualifications,\u00a0 training,\u00a0 experience\u00a0 and\u00a0 anycode\u00a0 of\u00a0 practice\u00a0 to\u00a0 which\u00a0 he\u00a0 or\u00a0 she\u00a0 adheres\u00a0 and\u00a0 act\u00a0 with\u00a0 impartiality\u00a0 and integrity throughout the mediation. It\u00a0 is\u00a0\u00a0 a\u00a0 matter for the\u00a0 parties\u00a0 themselves\u00a0 to\u00a0 determine\u00a0 the\u00a0 outcome of the\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 and\u00a0 the\u00a0 mediator should not\u00a0 normally\u00a0 make\u00a0 any proposals to the parties\u00a0 to resolve the dispute.<\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless,\u00a0 the mediator\u00a0 may, at the express request of all\u00a0 of the parties, make proposals to resolve the dispute but it will be a matter\u00a0 for the parties themselves\u00a0 to determine\u00a0 whether to accept any such proposals.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enforceability_of_Mediation_Settlements\"><\/span>Enforceability\u00a0 of Mediation\u00a0 Settlements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is a matter\u00a0 for the parties\u00a0 themselves\u00a0 to determine\u00a0 if and when a mediation\u00a0 settlement\u00a0 has been\u00a0 reached\u00a0 between\u00a0 them\u00a0 and\u00a0 whether\u00a0 it\u00a0 is to be enforceable between them.\u00a0 Where a mediation\u00a0 settlement\u00a0 is reached, it will operate as a contract\u00a0 between the parties to the settlement except where\u00a0 it\u00a0 is\u00a0 expressly\u00a0 stated\u00a0 to\u00a0 have\u00a0 no\u00a0 legal\u00a0 force\u00a0 until\u00a0 incorporated into\u00a0 a\u00a0 formal\u00a0 legal\u00a0 agreement\u00a0 or contract\u00a0 to\u00a0 be signed\u00a0 by the\u00a0 parties.<\/p>\n<p>A court may enforce the terms of a mediation settlement\u00a0 subject\u00a0 to certain\u00a0 safeguards. It may, for example,\u00a0 refuse to do so\u00a0 if\u00a0 satisfied\u00a0 that\u00a0 the\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 settlement\u00a0 does\u00a0 not\u00a0 adequately\u00a0 protect\u00a0 the rights and entitlements\u00a0 of the parties, or any dependents, or where a party to\u00a0 the\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 settlement\u00a0 has\u00a0 been\u00a0 unduly\u00a0 influenced\u00a0 any\u00a0 other\u00a0 party\u00a0 in reaching\u00a0 the\u00a0 settlement.<\/p>\n<p>Where\u00a0 a\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 settlement\u00a0 relates\u00a0 to\u00a0 a\u00a0 child,\u00a0 the court must have regard to the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oversight_and_Regulation\"><\/span>Oversight and Regulation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many of\u00a0 those\u00a0 who practice\u00a0 \u00a0as mediators,\u00a0 e.g.\u00a0 lawyers, barristers,\u00a0 accountants,\u00a0 engineers,\u00a0 etc.\u00a0 are\u00a0 already\u00a0 subject\u00a0 to the\u00a0 regulatory structures of their own professions.\u00a0 The legislation does not set out\u00a0 a\u00a0 comprehensive\u00a0 regulatory\u00a0 structure\u00a0 for\u00a0 mediators.<\/p>\n<p>Matters relating\u00a0 to\u00a0 the\u00a0 ethical\u00a0 standards,\u00a0 confidentiality,\u00a0 redress\u00a0 procedures\u00a0 etc. applicable\u00a0 to\u00a0 mediators\u00a0 are to\u00a0 be set\u00a0 out in\u00a0 codes\u00a0 of practice\u00a0 prepared\u00a0 and published by the Minister or approved by the Minister having been prepared by another\u00a0 person or body.<\/p>\n<p>A mediator\u00a0 is required\u00a0 to furnish a copy of any code of practice\u00a0 to which he or she adheres to the parties\u00a0 in order\u00a0 to ensure\u00a0 that\u00a0 they\u00a0 are\u00a0 aware\u00a0 of the\u00a0 standards\u00a0 to\u00a0 which\u00a0 the mediator has committed<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Codes_of_Practice\"><\/span>Codes of Practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Minister for Justice may make\u00a0 codes of practice\u00a0 which\u00a0 may, inter\u00a0 alia, contain\u00a0 provisions in relation\u00a0 to matters\u00a0 such as<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>continuous\u00a0 professional development<\/li>\n<li>requirements\u00a0 for mediators;<\/li>\n<li>procedures\u00a0 to\u00a0 be\u00a0 followed\u00a0 during mediation;<\/li>\n<li>ethical\u00a0 standards\u00a0 for\u00a0 mediators;<\/li>\n<li>confidentiality\u00a0 obligations; and\u00a0 redress procedures\u00a0 in\u00a0 the\u00a0 event\u00a0 of dissatisfaction\u00a0 with\u00a0 the\u00a0 conduct\u00a0 of a mediation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Alternatively, the Minister may approve a code of practice prepared\u00a0 by another\u00a0 person or body (e.g.\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 body).\u00a0 The\u00a0 procedures for putting codes of practice in place are\u00a0 provided in the legislation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Duty_of_Solicitor_before_Litigation\"><\/span>Duty of Solicitor before Litigation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A practicing solicitors must before issuing proceedings on behalf of the client\u00a0 advise clients to consider mediation\u00a0 as an alternative to court proceedings. For this purpose, they must provide clients\u00a0 with information on mediation\u00a0 services,\u00a0 including\u00a0 details\u00a0 of mediators,\u00a0 information\u00a0 about\u00a0 the advantages\u00a0 and\u00a0 benefits\u00a0 of\u00a0 mediation,\u00a0 and\u00a0 information\u00a0 on\u00a0 confidentiality obligations and the enforceability of mediation\u00a0 settlements.<\/p>\n<p>Where court proceedings\u00a0 are instituted\u00a0 on behalf\u00a0 of a client,\u00a0 the\u00a0 application\u00a0 must be accompanied\u00a0 by \u00a0a\u00a0 statutory\u00a0 declaration\u00a0 made\u00a0 by\u00a0 the\u00a0 solicitor\u00a0 confirming that\u00a0 these obligations have been discharged in relation\u00a0 to the client\u00a0 and the proceedings\u00a0 to which the declaration\u00a0 relates.\u00a0 If the declaration\u00a0 is not submitted,\u00a0 the court will adjourn the proceedings\u00a0 until\u00a0 the solicitor complies with the requirements.<\/p>\n<p>There are similar\u00a0 obligations\u00a0 in relation\u00a0 to practising\u00a0 barristers.\u00a0 It\u00a0 would apply\u00a0 in\u00a0 circumstances\u00a0 in\u00a0 which\u00a0 a\u00a0 practising barrister\u00a0 may\u00a0 in\u00a0 future\u00a0 be\u00a0 permitted,\u00a0 under\u00a0 relevant\u00a0 provisions\u00a0 of\u00a0 the\u00a0 Legal Services Regulation\u00a0 Act 2015, to issue proceedings on behalf of a client who is not represented by a practising solicitor.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_Court_in_Mediation\"><\/span>Role of Court in Mediation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A court may, on application\u00a0 by a party to proceedings\u00a0 or of its own motion where it considers it appropriate\u00a0 to do so, invite the\u00a0 parties\u00a0 to the\u00a0 proceedings\u00a0 to consider\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 as a means of attempting to resolve the dispute before the court. For this purpose, it may\u00a0 provide\u00a0 the\u00a0 parties\u00a0 with\u00a0 information\u00a0 about\u00a0 the\u00a0 benefits\u00a0 of\u00a0 mediation.<\/p>\n<p>Where the parties decide to engage in mediation,\u00a0 the proceedings may be adjourned. Where the\u00a0 parties\u00a0 decide\u00a0 to engage\u00a0 in mediation and subsequently apply\u00a0 to the\u00a0 court to re-enter\u00a0 the\u00a0 proceedings,\u00a0 the mediator will\u00a0 be\u00a0 required\u00a0 to\u00a0 make\u00a0 a\u00a0 report\u00a0 to\u00a0 the\u00a0 court\u00a0 outlining\u00a0 the\u00a0 outcome\u00a0 of\u00a0 the mediation.<\/p>\n<p>Where the court has invited the parties to engage in mediation,\u00a0 the court\u00a0 may,\u00a0 where\u00a0 it\u00a0 considers\u00a0 it\u00a0 just\u00a0 to\u00a0 do\u00a0 so, take\u00a0 into\u00a0 account any\u00a0 unreasonable\u00a0 refusal\u00a0 or failure\u00a0 by a\u00a0 party\u00a0 to\u00a0 consider\u00a0 using mediation, or to attend mediation, when awarding costs in such proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>A court of its own motion may\u00a0 direct the parties in a personal injuries action to meet to discuss and attempt\u00a0 to settle the action by means of mediation.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0 period\u00a0 of time\u00a0 during\u00a0 which\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 took place is disregarded\u00a0 for the purpose of a limitation\u00a0 period under the Statute of Limitations.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mediation_Stay_Proceedings\"><\/span>Mediation Stay Proceedings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Where the\u00a0 parties have entered into an agreement to mediate but one or more of them commences legal\u00a0 proceedings in\u00a0 respect\u00a0 of the\u00a0 dispute\u00a0 to\u00a0 which\u00a0 the\u00a0 agreement\u00a0 applies. The other party may apply to court to adjourn the proceedings. The court shall make an order adjourning such proceedings if it is satisfied that<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>there is not sufficient reason why the dispute in respect of which the proceedings have been commenced should not be dealt with in accordance with the agreement to mediate, and<\/li>\n<li>the applicant party was at the time when the proceedings were commenced, and still remains, ready and willing to do all things necessary for the proper implementation of the agreement to mediate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fees_and_costs_of_Mediation\"><\/span>Fees\u00a0 and\u00a0 costs\u00a0 of\u00a0 Mediation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The agreement\u00a0 to\u00a0 mediate\u00a0 should specify\u00a0 the\u00a0 manner\u00a0 in\u00a0 which\u00a0 the\u00a0 fees\u00a0 and costs of mediation\u00a0 will be paid. Such fees and costs must be reasonable and proportionate\u00a0 to\u00a0 the\u00a0 importance\u00a0 and\u00a0 complexity\u00a0 of\u00a0 the\u00a0 issues at\u00a0 stake\u00a0 and the amount of work undertaken by the mediator. U<\/p>\n<p>Unless otherwise ordered by a court or agree the party shall pay the fees and costs as agreed in the agreement or shall share the same equally.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mediation_Council\"><\/span>Mediation Council<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The legislation allows for the possible future establishment\u00a0 of a body to be known as the\u00a0 Mediation\u00a0 Council\u00a0 of Ireland. Where\u00a0 the\u00a0 Minister\u00a0 is\u00a0 satisfied\u00a0 that\u00a0 a\u00a0 body\u00a0 complies\u00a0 with the minimum standards set out in the Schedule to the\u00a0 legislation and is, at the same\u00a0 time,\u00a0 sufficiently\u00a0 representative\u00a0 of\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 interests\u00a0 involved\u00a0 in the mediation\u00a0 sector, he or she may make an order declaring\u00a0 that that body will\u00a0 be\u00a0 recognised\u00a0 for the\u00a0 purposes of the\u00a0 legislation\u00a0 as\u00a0 the\u00a0 Mediation Council\u00a0 of\u00a0 Ireland.<\/p>\n<p>Such\u00a0 a\u00a0 body\u00a0 would\u00a0 then\u00a0 undertake\u00a0 the\u00a0 functions\u00a0 set out , including\u00a0 the promotion of public awareness on the\u00a0 availability\u00a0 and operation\u00a0 of mediation\u00a0 services, and the\u00a0 development\u00a0 of standards\u00a0 in\u00a0 the\u00a0 provision\u00a0 of mediation\u00a0 services.<\/p>\n<p>It would also take on the task of preparing codes of practice\u00a0 for approval by the Minister and the establishment of a register of mediators who have subscribed to such a code. It is intended\u00a0 that\u00a0 such a Council\u00a0 would be funded from fees calculated in accordance with its own rules.<\/p>\n<p>The Mediation Council of Ireland would, if established,\u00a0 be independent\u00a0 in the\u00a0 performance\u00a0 of its\u00a0 functions, and would consist of not less than\u00a0 11 members\u00a0 (5 of whom would be representative\u00a0 of bodies promoting mediation\u00a0 services or representing\u00a0 the interests\u00a0 of\u00a0 mediators\u00a0 and\u00a0 6\u00a0 of\u00a0 whom,\u00a0 including\u00a0 the\u00a0 chairperson,\u00a0 would represent the public interest).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mediation_Information_Sessions\"><\/span>Mediation Information Sessions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In its 2010 Report, the\u00a0 Law Reform\u00a0 Commission\u00a0 underlined\u00a0 the potential\u00a0 benefits\u00a0 of\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 in\u00a0 family\u00a0 law\u00a0 proceedings\u00a0 as\u00a0 an\u00a0 alternative to\u00a0 adversarial\u00a0 court\u00a0 proceedings\u00a0 and\u00a0 recommended\u00a0 that\u00a0 parties\u00a0 be\u00a0 required to attend\u00a0 information\u00a0 sessions in advance\u00a0 of the\u00a0 commencement\u00a0 of such proceedings\u00a0 during\u00a0 which\u00a0 the\u00a0 benefits\u00a0 and\u00a0 advantages\u00a0 of\u00a0 mediation\u00a0 could be explained.<\/p>\n<p>The Minister for Justice\u00a0 may, for the purpose of ensuring the availability of such sessions at\u00a0 a\u00a0 reasonable\u00a0 cost\u00a0 and\u00a0 in\u00a0 suitable\u00a0 locations,\u00a0 prepare\u00a0 and\u00a0 publish a scheme for the delivery\u00a0 of such sessions,\u00a0 or approve a scheme for the delivery of such sessions by another person or body.\u00a0 The Legal\u00a0 Aid Board is, e,\u00a0 already\u00a0 involved\u00a0 in\u00a0 the\u00a0 provision\u00a0 of a\u00a0 free\u00a0 family\u00a0 mediation service. Details\u00a0 of the\u00a0 procedure\u00a0 for adopting\u00a0 such a scheme are set out in\u00a0 the legislation.<\/p>\n<p>The legislation contemplates that that mediation information sessions may be made compulsory for parties in where\u00a0 it\u00a0 is\u00a0 claimed\u00a0 that\u00a0 a\u00a0 testator\u00a0 has\u00a0 failed\u00a0 in\u00a0 his\u00a0 or\u00a0 her moral\u00a0 duty to make proper provision for the child,\u00a0 and where\u00a0 in\u00a0 the\u00a0 case of\u00a0 a\u00a0 surviving\u00a0 civil\u00a0 partner\u00a0 it\u00a0 is\u00a0 claimed that provision should be made for a child out of the deceased\u2019s estate.<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-21507\" data-postid=\"21507\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-21507 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mediation Act Scope Mediation act 2017 was designed to provide a single legal framework for mediation. Mediation is an alternative method of dispute resolution court proceedings. It Seeks to reduce costs, relieve stress and acrimony and and speed up dispute resolution. \u201cmediation\u201d is defined as a\u00a0 confidential, facilitative and voluntary process in which parties to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[321],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21507"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21507"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21507\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21509,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21507\/revisions\/21509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21507"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21507"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21507"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}