Liam Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the continued growth of the high-technology industry here and the contribution of this industry to the economy, there are any negotiations in progress or contemplated whereby law graduates here will be allowed to practice in Massachusetts in a manner similar to the arrangement in place with other US states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9583/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There are reciprocal recognition arrangements in respect of admission of lawyers in place between Ireland and the states of Pennsylvania, New York and California. This is facilitated by section 44(6) of the Solicitors Act 1954 as inserted by section 52 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994. The Act permits a person who is qualified in a profession corresponding to that of solicitor in non-EU jurisdictions to be admitted as a lawyer to practise in Ireland subject to certain conditions, including that the arrangement is reciprocal. There are no negotiations either in progress or planned with Massachusetts as that state does not admit lawyers from foreign jurisdictions even on the basis of reciprocity.