Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much agree with Deputy Madigan that mediators should register with the Mediation Council and I am confident that those who are actively engaged as mediators will do so on a voluntary basis by subscribing to the section 9 codes of practice we have been debating. However, I am not convinced that imposing an obligation on mediators to register with the Mediation Council at the outset would be useful in the circumstances. On the contrary, it could be said that to impose such a statutory obligation at this stage could result in legal challenges to the mandate or authority of the council. On balance, while there is certainly merit in the point raised, I am not disposed to accepting the amendment. However, these issues will be important when reviewing the legislation and the role and function of the Mediation Council. We could revert to them at some future date, but not at this stage.

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