Ireland Branch

2008 Annual Report by Ciarán Fahy, Chairman.

This has been a momentous year for the Irish Branch which is in good heart and very active. It culminated in the election, at the Congress in Malaysia, of Joe Behan to serve as CIArb president in 2010.

During the year, the membership increased and is currently in excess of 800, of whom some 200 are Fellows, spread throughout the island of Ireland. The branch is based in Dublin but is also organised through the Northern Ireland Chapter based in Belfast.

The most significant feature of the year has been the introduction of the Arbitration Bill 2008 which will replace current legislation dating back to 1954 with a new consolidated act, incorporating the UNCITRAL Model Law, for both domestic and international arbitrations. The branch has been particularly active in its response to the bill and was the first organisation to make a formal written submission to the government. It followed this up by active involvement in seminars where its members provided the majority of speakers.

Finally, in conjunction with the Law Society and the Bar Council, the branch organised a seminar for all of those involved in this area to discuss the detail. The seminar, which was chaired by the Irish Branch, was oversubscribed and has resulted in a joint formal submission to the Irish Government. The Arbitration Bill 2008 is due to be enacted within the next few months and hopefully most, if not all, of the recommendations will be incorporated into the legislation.

During the year, the Law Reform Commission produced a consultation paper on ADR, with particular reference to mediation. The branch made a written submission on this paper which was later discussed in detail at the meeting with the commission. Subsequent to this, the branch was actively involved in a seminar involving all interested parties, organised by the LRC.

The branch has been very active in the organisation of educational events, in particular entry courses for mediation and arbitration. In addition, it organised an accredited mediator training course in May 2008. In June 2008 it ran a training and assessment course for conciliators in the construction industry jointly with Engineers Ireland.

The activities of the branch have taken place against the background of a declining economy and this has affected, very severely in some cases, the careers of some of our members. On the other hand however, it has led to an increase in disputes and the need for fast, effective and efficient ADR. Thus, despite the immediate difficulties, the branch is in a position to face the future with confidence.

Last Updated: 27 April 2010