If you've researched notary public services in Ireland, you may have come across references to the "Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland." This is the professional body that represents and regulates Notaries Public in this country. Understanding its role helps you appreciate the rigorous standards that underpin the notarial profession in Ireland and why Irish notarised documents carry such weight internationally.
What Is the Faculty?
The Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland is the professional body for all Notaries Public practising in the Republic of Ireland. It serves several important functions:
- Professional regulation: Setting and maintaining the standards of practice for Irish notaries
- Education and training: Administering the Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice, the specialist qualification required for appointment as a Notary Public
- Continuing professional development: Ensuring that practising notaries keep their knowledge and skills up to date
- Representation: Representing Irish notaries domestically and internationally
- Discipline: Handling complaints and maintaining professional standards
History and Background
The notarial profession in Ireland has a long history, with roots going back to the medieval period and ultimately to Roman law. The role of the notary was originally linked to the Catholic Church, with notaries being appointed by papal authority. Over time, the appointment power transferred to secular authorities, and in Ireland today, Notaries Public are appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland.
The Faculty was established to provide a formal professional structure for the notarial profession in Ireland, similar to the Law Society of Ireland for solicitors or the Bar Council for barristers. It ensures that the profession maintains the high standards expected of notaries both domestically and internationally.
The Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice
The Faculty administers the Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice, which is the mandatory qualification for anyone seeking appointment as a Notary Public in Ireland. The diploma covers:
- The law and practice of notarial acts
- International private law
- The Hague Convention and apostille process
- Anti-money laundering obligations
- Professional ethics and conduct
- Comparative notarial law (how other jurisdictions' systems work)
The diploma is typically completed over one to two years and involves both coursework and examinations. Only candidates who successfully complete the diploma can apply to the Chief Justice for appointment.
International Recognition
The Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland is a member of the International Union of Notaries (UINL), also known as the Union Internationale du Notariat. The UINL is the worldwide organisation for notarial bodies, representing notaries in approximately 90 countries across all continents.
This international membership is important because it means Irish notarial acts are recognised within the global network of notarial professions. When a foreign authority sees an Irish notary's seal, they know it comes from a professional who is part of a recognised, regulated system.
How Many Notaries Are in Ireland?
Unlike many other legal professions, the number of Notaries Public in Ireland is deliberately kept small. The Chief Justice will only appoint a new Notary Public if satisfied that there is a genuine need in the area. This ensures high standards and avoids dilution of the profession.
There are typically around 80–100 practising Notaries Public in the entire Republic of Ireland. By comparison, there are approximately 12,000 solicitors and over 2,000 barristers. This makes the notarial profession one of the smallest and most exclusive legal professions in the country.
Why It Matters for You
When you use a Notary Public who is a member of the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland, you can be confident that:
- They have undergone rigorous training and examination
- They have been appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland
- They are subject to professional regulation and continuing education requirements
- Their notarial acts carry full international recognition
- They maintain professional indemnity insurance
Hugh Phelan is a member of the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland and was appointed Notary Public by the Chief Justice. For more about Hugh's qualifications, see our services page.
Contact Us
For professional notary services in Cork, contact Hugh Phelan's office.
Call 021-489-7134, email info@phelansolicitors.com, or book an appointment online.
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