Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On this section and all of those sections relating to multidisciplinary practices, the Minister and I have a difference of opinion from a philosophical point of view. The amendments that the Opposition has tabled relating to the sections which deal with multidisciplinary practices are based on our opposition to those practices where solicitors, barristers and accountants operate under the same roof and for the same company. Our understanding is that this model has failed internationally and our fear is that the best and brightest of the legal profession will be secured by the wealthiest companies in society, namely, big businesses and large corporations, to the detriment of the average citizen seeking legal representation. Sinn Féin wants a level playing pitch for all citizens and is particularly concerned that those in rural communities will be able to access - through the offices of local solicitors and as is generally the case at present - the services of barristers with the appropriate skills to represent them. We fear that corporatisation will happen with the multidisciplinary practices and that we will see a centralisation of the most skilled in the area so that when people with less money in their pockets seek top-quality representation, they will find it difficult to access. Sinn Féin will be opposing the elements of this Bill that relate to multidisciplinary practices for this reason.