Association of Barristers in Ireland

Intent: Implementation of Article 20 of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights (Everyone is Equal before the law). The Charter is binding on Ireland on foot of the Lisbon Treaty and should be in place for all citizens. It is not. Barristers face obstacles in exercising their constitutional and Fundamental Charter Rights as all Superior Court judges are 'judicial benchers'. A solution to the 'judicial bencher' situation was sought, either by way of a Constitutional Referendum or legislation.::An end to the incorrect perception that restrictions on barristers appearing in court in contentious matters is illegal. Any current restriction is anti-competitive. This matter has already been dealt with by the Supreme Court years ago and as there is no law to prevent it, it should already be possible in practice for a client directly to instruct a barrister to appear in court in a contentious matter

Methods: Letter, Meeting