Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

Is it open to the State to appeal to the Taxing Master and, if so, has it ever happened? In the case of a recurring misconduct, which may not necessarily be of a very serious nature, is there provision for the name of the solicitor in question to be published? It would assist people who need to consult a solicitor or barrister to have access to information indicating a profile of continuous complaints against a particular professional.

The Minister's reply indicates that he considers there is sufficient legislative provision in this area and he did not indicate an intention to introduce any type of modification. In most cases where one engages a professional to do a job one can quantify the job and obtain an estimate, but that is not generally the case when it comes to legal fees. In family law cases, for example, it is difficult for people to evaluate legal costs, which may cause great distress at a later date. The ideal is not to go the legal route but rather to find some way of mediating disputes, but this is not always possible. Is the Minister considering any measure to assist people to obtain an accurate estimate of legal costs so there can be some degree of certainty before an action commences?

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