The Attorney General of Ireland, Mr David Byrne, S.C., made an official visit to the Court of Justice of the European Communities on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 December.
The Attorney General had meetings with the President of the Court of Justice Gil Carlos Rodríguez Iglesias and the President of the Court of First Instance Bo Vesterdorf. The Attorney General also met with Members from both Courts including the Members from Ireland, Judge John L. Murray, Advocate General Nial Fennelly and Judge John D. Cooke.
During his visit, the Attorney General discussed a range of topics concerning the role and functioning of both Courts in relation to the tasks conferred upon them by the European Community Treaties, in particular, the challenges and difficulties which they face stemming from a continuous growth in the volume of cases and the probable effects of the entering into force of the Amsterdam Treaty next year.
At the conclusion of his visit, the Attorney General said that he had found his meetings most useful and informative. He emphasised the commitment of the Irish Government to maintaining a strong and independent Court equipped to fulfil its judicial role which is so essential in a Community based on the rule of law.
The President of the Court warmly welcomed the visit of the Attorney General observing that from the point of view of the Court as an Institution, a visit of this nature plays a particularly important role in enabling Member States to have a fuller understanding of the relationship between its administrative requirements and the full and efficient fulfilment of its judicial tasks.
Unofficial document for media use, which is not binding on the Court of Justice. Languages available: English only . For the full text of the judgment, please consult our Internet site www.curia.eu.int around 3pm today. For further information please contact Mr Tom Kennedy tel: (352) 4303-3355 fax: (352) 4303 2731