The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government, which is a constituent part of the Office of the Attorney General, will shortly be looking for Solicitors or Barristers interested in developing their careers in a challenging and modern legal environment. The position involves legal drafting work of the highest level and importance to the Government and provides an opportunity for developing expertise in new and existing areas of law both here and abroad. The work is interesting, topical and stimulating. The Office provides opportunities for further education and has up to date IT facilities and a well resourced library.
The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government is responsible for the drafting of Government Bills and Government Orders and for the drafting or settling of most statutory instruments made by Ministers of the Government. In addition, the Statute Law Revision Unit is a drafting unit within the Office of the Attorney General which is involved with consolidation and revision Bills and statute law restatements. The drafting staff of that Unit includes personnel seconded from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government.
Each new entrant at Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade II level will be trained by working on drafting assignments of increasing complexity. Initially, the Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade II will work with senior colleagues on drafts and gradually begin to work on his or her own initiative. Practical training on the job is the key element in the training process for entrants at Grade II level which will be supplemented by seminars on aspects of drafting.
The Office is currently located in Government Buildings, Merrion Street, Dublin 2. It has not been listed by the Government as part of its decentralisation programme. The building has undergone refurbishment to facilitate persons with disabilities.
A panel may be established from which future vacancies may be filled. All the posts are permanent and pensionable.
Applicants must, have been called to the Bar or have been admitted and be enrolled as a solicitor in the State, and since qualifying, have practised as a Barrister or Solicitor in the State for at least 4 years ending on 1st of October 2005. (Periods spent in a wholetime position in the Civil Service, for appointment to which qualification as a Barrister or Solicitor was an essential requirement, will be reckonable for the purpose of practice).
The salary scale as at 1 June 2005 is:
€63,293 - €81,330 per annum (Reduced PRSI; Conditions Apply)
€66,626 - €85,618 per annum (full PRSI)
Entry at a point above the minimum may be possible for appointees with suitable experience.
The above recruitment competition, including the closing date will be advertised shortly in the national newspapers.
If you would like additional information on these vacancies please contact the Human Resources Unit, ph. 01 6314058