Vol. 526 No. 6
366 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the EU establishment directive and diplomas directive will be implemented here; the authority which will be designated as the competent authority for both of these directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27584/00]
I assume the Deputy is referring to Directive 98/5/EC to facilitate practise of the profession of lawyer on a permanent basis in a member state other than that in which the qualification was obtained. I hope that the directive will be implemented by the end of this year or early next year. The directive will be given effect in Irish law by means of a 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 statutory instrument is at a very advanced stage of preparation in consultation with the Bar Council and the Law Society. It is envisaged that the competent authorities for the purpose of the directive will be the Bar Council for lawyers wishing to practise as barristers and the Law Society for those practising as solicitors.
The Deputy will appreciate that Directive 89/48/EEC, on a general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration, has already been implemented in the State by the European Communities (General System for the Recognition of Higher Education Diplomas) Regulations 1991 (S. I. No. 1 of 1991) made by the Minister for Education. These regulations extend to entry to the legal profession in the State by lawyers who obtained their qualification in another member state.
