Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I and the Government appreciate the constructive engagement on this Bill, which has received detailed consideration in the House. This legislation is part of the Government's strategy to promote mediation as an effective alternative to adversarial and often lengthy and expensive court proceedings. Apart from more effective outcomes and reduced recourse to the courts, it will also help to reduce the legal costs for everybody involved. Following the enactment of the legislation I intend to seek the views of mediation bodies on whether there is already a sufficiently advanced draft code of practice for approval under section 9(1)(b). It is understood that the Mediators' Institute of Ireland has sought input from across the mediation sector with a view to finalising a code that will cover many of the matters outlined in section 9(2). There is reason to believe that significant progress can be made on putting a comprehensive code into practice later this year. I acknowledge the debate we had on this issue.

I thank Members for their contributions and I look forward to the early operation of this important Bill.

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