Enda Kenny

The steady decline in the rule of law globally is a sobering reminder of how quickly our fundamental democratic institutions can be dismantled if we do not protect and champion them.

According to the World Justice Project, 68 per cent of countries saw their rule of law score decline in 2025, compared to 57 per cent the previous year – this decline is now on a path of acceleration.

It is my view that Ireland’s legal system has growing international relevance, offering the international business community a trusted, stable and internationally connected jurisdiction to counter-balance the continued global erosion of institutional checks and balances, judicial independence and civic freedoms that is clearly evident now.

As recently appointed chairperson of Ireland for Law, this will be my main message during our upcoming Business Mission to New York this September.

Ireland for Law is an initiative established by the Government of Ireland in 2019 in response to Brexit, promoting Ireland as a global centre for legal services. The NYC mission aims to showcase the depth, capabilities and competitive edge of the Irish legal profession to the US market in a targeted way.

I know from experience the importance of fostering international relationships in times of uncertainty, and I intend to bring that experience to this voluntary role. During my tenure as taoiseach, my relationships in Europe, including those I’d fostered within the EPP, played a critical role in securing better conditions for Ireland to navigate the difficult post-financial crash period. I know that in times of uncertainty, we can trust what we know.

In a post-Brexit world, Ireland is the only English-speaking common-law jurisdiction in the European Union, offering a stable and predictable legal framework rooted in precedent and well-established case law.

Our positioning also offers international companies the comfort and familiarity of English as the preferred business language, and an assurance that decisions made in Irish courts are automatically recognised and largely enforceable across the EU.

Ireland is globally recognised for its fiercely independent courts that protect companies from unfair treatment or expropriation.

During geopolitical uncertainty, companies place increasing value on knowing the rules won’t change overnight due to any attempted political interference, putting long-term capital investment at risk, and this is central to our competitive advantage.

Our commitment to democratic institutions has been proven time and time again. During my time as taoiseach and head of Government, I recall the implementation of Ireland’s first Citizens’ Assembly in 2016, as an outstanding example of the transformative impact of deliberative democracy. This model has been followed by many other democratic countries.

Our legal system is a core national asset and is held up by a workforce of exceptional and specialised skill. According to a recent KPMG report, Ireland’s legal profession contributes €6.7 billion annually to the Irish economy through its over 52,000 legal professionals nationwide.

These professionals operate our specialised courts, including the Commercial Court, and our world-class alternative dispute resolution services, while boasting legal expertise in our leading industries, including complex sectors such as aviation finance, insurance, tech and pharma.

Companies that choose Ireland to do business reap the benefits of a business-friendly legal environment that enables swift access to cost-effective, specialised corporate legal solutions.

As the rule of law and democratic norms continue to erode, the NYC Business Mission will play its part to expand the Irish legal sector’s footprint in the US and beyond, and demonstrate clearly that Ireland can offer a steady ship in a time of great geopolitical uncertainty.