Vol. 525 No. 2
792 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Directive 98/5 of the European Parliament, Council on Establishment of Solicitors will be implemented in view of the fact it was to be implemented on 14 March 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24365/00]
Directive 98/5/EC of 16 February 1998 to facilitate practice of the profession of lawyer on a permanent basis in a member state other than that in which the qualification was obtained will be implemented by means of statutory instrument but some provision in primary legislation is needed also. I intend to make that provision by way of Committee Stage amendment to the Solicitors (Amendment) Bill, 1998. The ministerial regulations are at a very advanced stage of preparation. The statutory provision and the regulations will, together, give full and proper effect to the directive. I would hope that the directive can be implemented in Irish law by the end of the year.
