Michael McDowell (Independent)
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I welcome Dr. Doherty and Ms McIntyre. I declare an interest on this occasion since I am a practising barrister. In general terms, I want to compliment the regulatory authority because I have heard no adverse complaints about it since it assumed full control of its functions. It has worked smoothly. One hears on the grapevine of frivolous and vexatious cases brought by people who did not like the way a case was decided and thought either the judge or the lawyers involved on the other side were to blame for losing the case. Those kind of cases apart, I think the authority is taking its work seriously.

When I was Minister for Justice, I was always impressed by the Law Society's professional disciplinary tribunal, which was very tough on solicitors. I remember I appointed at least two lay persons to that body who felt a bit sorry for the solicitors who were before it on occasions. They felt the solicitors were dealt with very sternly but it is necessary to maintain public confidence in the provision of legal services. Bearing in mind all of the changes that have taken place, the authority is doing a very good job.

Could I ask one question on interdisciplinary partnerships and the like? Where are we on that at this stage? Is there a significant number of barristers in partnership with solicitors, accountants or multi-disciplinary bodies, which have come into existence, or are we still awaiting developments on that front?