Mediation can provide a great opportunity to resolve disputes – Conway

Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Justice and Clare Senator, Martin Conway, welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, today (Wednesday) that she intends to proceed with the enactment of legislation to promote mediation as a viable, effective and efficient adjunct to court proceedings.

“Following my Private Members’ Motion on Mediation in the Seanad today, which was supported by the majority of Senators; I am delighted that the Minister for Justice has now committed to the enactment of the Mediation Bill in early course.

“Mediation is voluntary process of conflict prevention and resolution that allows the parties an opportunity to address their issues in a confidential, private and safe environment.  It improves communication, narrows outstanding issues, defuses emotions and defines area of agreement. Statistics from the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland show a success rate for mediation averaging 80 per cent.

“I am confident that dealing with disputes in this way will provide the parties in dispute with the best possible opportunity to resolve their issues in a fast and cost effective way.

“I will be urging the Minister to expedite the publication of the legislation in order the promote mediation as an effective way of resolving disputes and facilitate its use to resolve civil, commercial and family disputes.”