Brexit - Challenges and Opportunities for Ireland

After a welcome address by H.E. Patricia O’Brien, the Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville, the designated arbitration Judge in the High Court of Ireland, took the floor to present the case for Ireland as an international center for arbitration. Once the UK leaves the European Union Ireland will effectively be the only remaining English-speaking country with a common law system. Justice Barniville explained that the Arbitration Act, which came into effect in 2010, aligned Ireland's existing arbitration rules and procedures with international standards. This, alongside the modernity of the Irish Commercial Court, with five High Court judges allocated to it, and the possibility of conducting entirely paperless trials, is one of the many qualities that make Dublin a very attractive seat for international arbitration. Justice Barniville also concluded that an increase in legal business in Ireland would have an overall beneficial effect on Irish business as a whole.

RTE Europe editor, Mr. Tony Connelly then proceeded to recount a very interesting and insightful synopsis of how Ireland has become so pre-eminent in Brexit. His unique take on events and insider information regarding how and why we have arrived at the current state of affairs captivated what was a full house of attendees at the embassy.  A very lively question and answer session ensued and would have continued on until the early hours if Ambassador O’Brien had not stepped in to invite everyone to enjoy a delightful drinks reception in the very beautiful surrounds of the embassy.

This event was a great occasion for NetworkIrlande members to meet and mingle with the Franco-Irish legal community and attendees were unanimous in their appreciation of the event and the calibre of the speakers.