Maman Poulet

Joe Strikes again

On the bus at an ungodly early hour this morning I listened to Ken Murphy, the Director General of the Law Society responding to the allegations that solicitors are being paid twice in cases involving those taking cases to the Residential Institutions Redress Board. You can listen to the interview here (real player) and read about it here. Essentially he is concerned, condemed it and says that if true, the double billing is indefensible.

The power of Liveline strikes again and today's show might be even more revealing. Carmel Foley, the Director of Consumer Affairs and member of the Law Society Complaints Committee has called for the committee to covene to discuss the issue.(Carmel is one of the most wonderful public servants Ireland has ever had and I don't think she gets enough praise for what she has achieved in her various roles hampered by government restrictions and political interference and inaptitude but I digress.)

One must also remember that those who are making the allegations are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and have been through a lot in their lives already. Complaints procedures should be as accessible as possible including advocacy and literacy assistance. While the Law Society can now investigate complaints invovling the RIRB and its processes, it's a bit strange having them investigate themselves but we live in hope with the involvement of Carmel Foley and others from outside the profession.

posted by Maman Poulet @ 10/12/2005 01:10:00 p.m.