The Mediation Act 2017 provides an opportunity for the legal system to become fairer

Cork-based solicitor and chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Ireland branch (CIArb), Bill Holohan is a staunch advocate of mediation to resolve disputes, having had his own personal road to Damascus moment a decade ago, writes Pádraig Hoare.

The Mediation Act 2017 provides an opportunity for the legal system to become fairer, to reduce costs massively, to significantly reduce the backlog of cases before the courts and, just as importantly, says Mr Holohan, preserve familial relations before bonds are lost forever. Business is also a huge winner, he adds.

CIArb Ireland has been campaigning for the passage of the Mediation Bill since making submissions to the Oireachtas Justice Committee in 2012.