Farmers to hear of mediation benefits at Ploughing Championship

Sabine Walsh

The professional association for mediators in Ireland said it would have an information stand at the Ploughing to promote the benefits of the Mediation Act 2017, which was commenced this year.

MII president Sabine Walsh said: “The recent commencement of the new Mediation Act is official recognition by the State of the contribution mediation will make to the improvement of dispute resolution systems in Ireland.

“These benefits are now available to those living on family farms and working in agriculture. The Act makes mediation even more robust and reliable. As a result, parties involved in a dispute are more likely to opt for mediation before heading into court particularly as solicitors will now advise their clients to consider mediation.

“The MII has been promoting mediation in the agriculture sector over recent years and now has a list of certified mediators who have knowledge and experience in the Farming and Agribusiness sector.”

Pat Finn, the MII’s agriculture sector liaison officer, added: “This year for the first time the MII will have a stand at the Ploughing. We will be making a number of presentations on how mediation can deliver for farm families and those working in agriculture.

“The legal route to dispute resolution is costly and the issue may be heard in public. Furthermore, this process invariably leads to fractured personal relationships or loss of business relationships. Mediation offers a far better confidential alternative, particularly for family farm disputes, whether they be within family or external business disputes. I and my colleagues will be available on our stand to answer queries and explain on a personal basis how mediation works.”