Press Release: Increase in Demand for Mediation as Alternative to Going to Court, October 2019
Marking Mediation Awareness Week this week, Community Law & Mediation (CLM) highlighted the growing demand for mediation as an alternative approach to resolving disputes and one that enables people to reach an agreement outside of the courtroom.
Mediation is a non-judgemental, confidential process in which the mediators act as a “go-between” to re-open channels of communication between people involved in a dispute, helping them to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both sides. It is a cost-effective alternative to going to court and can provide a foundation for the parties involved to re-establish a positive relationship once the dispute is resolved.
CLM’s CEO, Rose Wall, commented:
We have observed a significant increase in demand for our community-based mediation service. Our panel of 40 volunteer mediators delivered 1,360 hours of free mediation services last year, helping to resolve more than 150 disputes. They dealt with a range of issues, including parental and family disputes, disputes between neighbours and in the workplace. We also received a number of referrals from the Dublin and Bray District Courts.”
Community law centres such as CLM provide a vital service. By facilitating free access to expert mediation, legal and education services we are making our communities more just and inclusive and empowering people to actively participate in society.
Mediation Awareness Week takes place from 7th to 12th October 2019. To find out more about CLM’s mediation service, visit www.communitylawandmediation.ie or phone (01) 8477804.
ENDS
For further information please contact Elizabeth Devine, Communications Manager, CLM. Tel: 01 847 7804 Mobile: 087 697 5677
Note to Editors
Community Law & Mediation (CLM) was established in 1975 as the first independent, community-based law centre in Ireland.
Today, CLM supports more than 3,000 people annually through its range of services, which include free legal advice and representation; information and education; and mediation and conflict coaching. It operates two Community Law Centres, CLM Northside (Dublin) and CLM Limerick, and partners with other organisations to provide outreach advice clinics around Ireland.
CLM campaigns for law reform, and for the safeguarding of rights already enshrined in law, in areas such as education, housing, disability rights, social protection, employment and equality.