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In the absence of
research on the extent of public interest in legislation, in Ireland, there are
few guides by which we can test their level of interest. One such barometer is
the publication by the Law Reform Commission of their Consultation
Paper11 entitled "Statutory Drafting and
Interpretation: Plain Language and the Law" and subsequent Report.12 Their publication generated little public interest and
the muted public reception could certainly not be regarded as being indicative
of an appetite for plain language legislative drafting.13 The publication of the "Towards Better Regulation"
Consultation Document14 by a High Level Group
appointed by the Government - a perfect opportunity for the cries for plain
language to be amplified - was greeted with similar apathy by the wider
public.15
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12.
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Law Reform
Commission, 'Statutory Drafting and Interpretation: Plain Language and the Law'
(LRC61-2000). |
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13.
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The Report
was however the subject of some media comment: K. Wood, 'Why Plain English
Could Spell the End for Latin Lovers' (August/September 1999) Law Society
Gazette 5; M. Bourke, 'Nice and Easy Does It' (October 1999) Law Society
Gazette 18; K. Wood 'Sesquipedalian Solicitors Censured for Verbosity' Sunday
Business Post 16th April, 2000; M. Bourke 'Report's Backing for Wider Use of
Plain English in Law is in Interest of Justice' Irish Times 28th May, 2001; M.
King, 'Statutes and Limitations' (August/September 2001) Law Society
Gazette 26. |
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14.
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(February,
2002). See www.betterregulation.ie |
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15.
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Approximately
12 members of the public chose to make submissions during the consultation
process. See www.betterregulation.ie |
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