THE MEDIATION ACT 2017

The Mediation Act 2017 was signed into Law on the 2^nd October 2017 and is expected to come in to force very shortly.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a collaborative process that provides an opportunity to resolve disputes by negotiation and/or agreement by using a Mediator.   The Act applies to all litigation disputes apart from arbitration and certain disputes under tax and customs legislation.

It contains provision for a comprehensive statutory framework to promote the resolution of disputes through Mediation as an alternative to Court proceedings.

Objective of the Act

• To achieve better and speedier outcomes for the parties.
• Reduce costs.
• Ease strain on the Court system.

Mediation has been successfully used for dispute resolution for many years in Ireland but the 2017 Act reinforces and supports the process.   The Act encourages parties to resolve their difficulties without having to go through an expensive and lengthy trial process.

We at Cantillons Solicitors welcome the Act, as it preserves the essence of mediation, which is voluntary collaborative agreement where the parties control the process.

Although not all disputes are amenable to mediation the underlying objective of the Act is to promote mediation as a viable effective and efficient alternative to Court proceedings, reducing costs, speeding up the resolution of disputes and reducing the stress and acrimony which often accompanies Court Proceedings.

If you would like any further advice on how the Mediation Act 2017 will affect you please contact us here at Cantillons Solicitors at +353 (0)21-4275673 or info@cantillons.com if you would like more information.

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.