The trade union, the second largest in the State, today announced the establishment of a branch for barristers.

The unprecedented move was authorised by the union’s national executive committee (NEC) following a request from barristers, it said.

The NEC has authorised a “modified membership which covers organising, lobbying and campaigning activity and provides access to member-only benefits”.

The new barristers’ branch will be housed in the union’s services and enterprises division.

Katie Morgan, head of Fórsa’s services and enterprises division, said: “The Fórsa barristers’ branch has been established to assist barristers engaged in State-funded work to collectively organise on the issues facing their profession.

“In recent years, Fórsa members have won improved conditions in the private sector, and in the commercial semi-state sector, in addition to our work with the public sector.

“We are happy to welcome barristers to the diverse group of members within the division, and look forward to helping them organise to win on matters of importance to their profession.”

Barristers engaged in State-funded work and wishing to join can get more information by contacting the division directly: servicesandenterprisesinfo@forsa.ie.