Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 697: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consideration given to the need to introduce an independent, statutorily appointed regulator of the legal profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33552/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's policy on the need for changes in the regulation of the legal profession is reflected in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 and the Legal Services Ombudsman Act 2009. The 2008 Act amended the Solicitors Acts to strengthen the Law Society's regulatory functions by providing, among other matters, for a lay majority on the regulatory committees of the society and for better enforcement of orders of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The 2009 Act provides for the establishment of a Legal Services Ombudsman. When it is established, the Ombudsman will provide a form of review for clients of solicitors and barristers who are dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint made to the Law Society or Bar Council; oversee the complaints procedures of the Law Society and Bar Council by examining a selection of complaints files each year; and oversee admission to the legal profession, particularly with regard to the adequacy of numbers admitted. A Legal Costs Bill is included in the Government's legislation programme, which was published on 16 September 2009. Work is under way in my Department on the development of the details of the proposals.