Warm congratulations on European role for Ms. Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh

The Council of the Bar of Ireland, on behalf of its members, extends its warm congratulations to Ms. Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, on her election as Judge of the European Court of Human Rights.

Speaking on her appointment, Sara Phelan SC, Chair of the Council said.

At a time of immense focus and pressure on international human rights frameworks, responding to the challenges of conflict, climate change as well as the enforcement and protection of individual human rights under the Convention, it is a source of immense pride that we can boast the talent of Irish judiciary to be part of that interface between the courts and citizens.

“Ms Ní Raifeartaigh is a hugely talented judicial figure, and since her elevation to bench in 2016 and then to Court of Appeal in 2019, fellow judges, counsel, solicitors and litigants have all benefitted from her acute understanding of the role of courts in our system of rule of law.  To see that now being shared and applied in a wider and impactful leadership role is hugely important”

“Outgoing President, Ms. Justice Síofra O’Leary leaves a valuable record and legacy that is now being continued by another leading female Irish judge. This further cements the value of an international dimension to the training and delivery of justice by barristers and our judiciary, and one that the Council continues to invest in through our professional development programme and overseas engagement.