Ivana Bacik (Independent)

It is sensible that the court should be able to refer a case for mediation on its own motion. What model is being used for the dispute resolution mechanism in section 21? Is it modelled on personal injuries legislation? Is it sufficiently tailored to disputes about completion which may require the resolution of technical issues by an engineer or architect mediator or conciliator? Does the Minister have a view on whether the procedure provided for in the section is sufficiently tailored? Would it be preferable to make provision for the Minister to introduce regulations on methods of resolving a dispute where the dispute turned on a particularly technical point that may best be resolved by somebody with an engineering or technical qualification? In raising this issue I am not opposing the section, although I reserve the right to introduce an amendment on Report Stage. I would be grateful if the Minister indicated what model has been used for the dispute resolution procedure.