Controversial last-minute settlements of high-profile medical negligence cases highlight the need for an early mediation process, according to the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Ireland’s bankers and bailout masters are pressing the Government to make it easier to seize homes bought as investments to rent out as defaults on the loans surge.

Plans to reduce the terms of bankruptcy for struggling borrowers will leave them facing eight years of insolvency terms instead of the proposed three.

FOUR years ago Seán Quinn was Ireland’s richest man. Now he faces the prospect of bankruptcy.

A NEW legal consultancy has advised that more companies should opt for mediation rather than for going through the courts to settle disputes, in order to save costs and time.

DARINA ALLEN will be presented with a prestigious business award tomorrow night.

NIGHTCLUB bosses have welcomed court orders which have allowed their premises to serve drink until 2.30am.