Ireland’s public law community gathered in Dublin to examine how legislation is created, implemented and updated in response to changing social, political and legal circumstances. The annual Public Law Conference brought together more than 550 representatives from Government and the legal professions, highlighting the continuing importance of careful legislative drafting in protecting the rule of law.
Held on 2 October 2026 at the Convention Centre Dublin, the event was jointly hosted by the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. The conference is now an established feature of Ireland’s legal calendar and provides a forum for discussing the practical challenges facing public administration and law-making.
Public Law Conference examines Ireland’s legislative process
The conference was opened by Chief State Solicitor Maria Browne, who described the event as an important platform for considering the opportunities and pressures affecting public law in Ireland.
Attorney General Rossa Fanning SC delivered the keynote address during the opening session, titled “Role of Government Lawyers in the Legislative Process”. He outlined the importance of legislative drafting and the role played by the Office of the Attorney General in advising on and preparing primary legislation.
Over the previous year, the Office drafted 276 statutory instruments, including 40 designed to give effect to EU measures. The discussion underlined that transforming broad policy objectives into clear, enforceable legal provisions requires detailed analysis and an understanding of the existing statute book.
The role of government lawyers
A panel chaired by Parliamentary Counsel Margaret Kennedy examined how government lawyers help develop legislation capable of operating effectively in complex circumstances. Contributors included Attorney General for Northern Ireland Dame Brenda King, Chief Parliamentary Counsel June Reardon and Trinity College Dublin professor David Kenny.
The speakers discussed legislative counsel, legal transparency and the need to ensure that new laws can withstand judicial scrutiny. Their observations are relevant across the public service, including departments responsible for Justice, Health, Housing, Finance and Social Protection.
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International Protection Act 2026 discussed
The second session focused on the International Protection Act 2026 and its connection with the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. Chaired by Mr Justice Frank Clarke, President of the Law Reform Commission, the session considered the international, European and domestic legal framework behind the reforms.
Úna McEvoy of the Attorney General’s Office explained how international protection law has developed through successive stages of the Common European Asylum System. She also outlined Ireland’s participation in seven Pact instruments and its decision to align with two further instruments.
Parliamentary Counsel Brendan McMahon described the drafting and enactment of the legislation, including the legal and practical issues addressed by Parliamentary Counsel, Advisory Counsel and instructing officials.
The final panel brought together Bonnie Costelloe, Professor Cathryn Costello and David Fennelly SC. Their discussion considered the constitutional, operational and legal consequences of the new framework. Director General Marion Berry delivered the conference’s closing remarks.
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Why the conference matters
The event demonstrated that effective law-making depends on collaboration between elected representatives, public servants, legal advisers and parliamentary counsel. For citizens, the quality of this work influences how public services, rights and regulatory systems operate.
Key takeaway: the Public Law Conference showed that the rule of law is supported not only through court decisions, but also through the daily care taken when legislation is drafted and put into practice.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
