Former Mayo Taoiseach appointed Chair of Ireland for Law initiative
Enda Kenny joins fellow Mayo natives in a national legal services initiative aimed at promoting Ireland globally
Former Mayo Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been appointed Chairperson of Ireland for Law, a government initiative established to promote Ireland as a leading international centre for legal services.
The appointment was announced at a meeting of the Ireland for Law implementation group, which includes fellow Mayo natives Rosemarie J. Loftus, President of the Law Society, and Mark Garrett, Director General of the Law Society.
Mr Kenny, who represented Mayo as a TD from 1975 to 2020 and served as Taoiseach between 2011 and 2017, said he was honoured to take up the role.
“Our legal system is a core national asset, recognised globally for its independence, efficiency and the exceptional skills of our Courts, judiciary, solicitors and barristers,” he said.
He said the legal sector contributes more than €6.7 billion annually to the Irish economy and supports approximately 52,000 jobs, adding that a strong legal framework is essential for investment in sectors including finance, technology, aviation and life sciences.
“Strengthening these sectors is not just about current economic stability, but about securing Ireland’s competitiveness and ensuring that our young people have world-class career opportunities right here at home,” Mr Kenny said.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the appointment, saying Mr Kenny’s international experience would strengthen Ireland for Law’s efforts to showcase Irish legal expertise and promote the State as a destination for dispute resolution and cross-border legal services.
The Ireland for Law implementation group includes representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, the judiciary, the Bar of Ireland, the Law Society, Government departments and IDA Ireland.
As chairperson, Mr Kenny will support upcoming international engagements, including Dublin International Disputes Week, which takes place from 19 to 23 October 2026 and brings together global legal experts to discuss key issues in cross-border dispute resolution.