Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 11, between lines 26 and 27, to insert the following:

"(b) including a break-down of the number of persons admitted to practice as barristers or solicitors during that year in terms of gender and socioeconomic background, and".

Amendments Nos. 7, 8 and 10 are self-explanatory. They seek to ensure that the legal profession is reflective of society rather than confined to a single socioeconomic group. In the past, the profession was confined to men but thankfully in recent years the profile of those who practise law has progressed significantly towards gender balance. I do not have the figures to inform me whether the profession is reflective of society but, at approximately 51% of the population, women now outnumber men.

A presumption exists among the general public that the legal profession is aloof from society. This is partly the result of the educational obstacles put in the way of those who depend on inadequate maintenance grants to enter the profession. The legal services ombudsman should be reflective of the general public. I do not suggest major changes but it is logical in this day and age to ensure fair representation of people from working class backgrounds in order to offer a more varied outlook.

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