Legislation for a legal services ombudsman to handle complaints against the legal profession was published by the Government today.
Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan published the Legal Services Ombudsman Bill 2008 that will receive and investigate complaints against barristers and solicitors, and review the procedures of the Bar Council and Law Society for dealing with complaints.
The Bill was originally part of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006, but it was taken out of this Bill for further development after controversy concerning solicitors Michael Lynn and Thomas Byrne.
Under it, members of the public will be able to appeal to the ombudsman if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of complaints to the disciplinary bodies of the Law Society or Bar Council.
The Ombudsman will also assess admission policies of the legal professions.
"The Ombudsman will ensure real improvements in the quality control of the delivery of legal services and the manner in which the public perceives such control to exist," Mr Lenihan said in a statement this afternoon.
The Ombudsman will be appointed by the Government for a six-year term and may be reappointed. The Ombudsman shall not be a practising barrister or solicitor.