Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer signed by Ireland
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 13 Bealtaine 2025
The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer was today (Tuesday, 13 May) signed by Ireland at the annual Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting held in Luxembourg.
The Convention was signed on behalf of Ireland by the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, who is attending the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting.
The Convention addresses entitlement to practise, professional rights, freedom of expression, professional discipline and specific protective measures for lawyers and professional associations.
The Convention will also seek to establish a Group of Experts on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, which will monitor and report on the environment for the legal profession in signatory States.
At least eight countries, including six member states of the Council of Europe, must ratify the Convention for it to enter into force.
Commenting on the signing of the Convention by Ireland, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan said:
“This is an important step in recognising the role that the Profession of Lawyer plays in upholding key facets of society today. Just as across Europe, Lawyers in Ireland play an essential role in defending access to justice and protecting the rule of law. Their rights to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and entitlement to practice must be protected, and they should never be subjected to threats or intimidation in the course of their work.”
Speaking at the signing of the Convention at the Council of Europe, Minister Byrne commented:
“Lawyers play a vital role in our society. In Ireland, and across Europe, lawyers act to uphold the rule of law and secure the right of access to justice. We must protect the role of lawyers in our society and that is why I am proud to sign the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer on behalf of Ireland. We must ensure that lawyers can carry out their professional duties without fear of attack and I welcome the role that the Convention will play in this respect.”