While litigation will remain the dominant mechanism in resolving disputes, there are now several alternative mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation and conciliation to consider.

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.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will meet the North's First Minister, Ian Paisley, in Dublin today.

Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley is to address an international conference on dispute resolution in the Ireland, it emerged today.