In a unique example of transatlantic and cross-Border co-operation, law schools in the Republic, Northern Ireland and the US have organised a summer school on aspects of international and comparative law.
The Faculty of Law at University College Dublin and the Law School at Queen's University Belfast are collaborating with the Law School of New York's Fordham University to hold the summer school, which will take place from June 25th to July 20th, with students spending a fortnight each at UCD and Queen's.
The Chancellor of Queen's, Senator George Mitchell, said during a visit to Dublin yesterday he was looking forward to participating in the programme which will include lectures on the international protection of human rights; international business transactions; comparative contract law; and alternative dispute resolution.
"I want to participate as much as possible. It's an exciting concept which has generated a great deal of enthusiasm," he said. In light of his experiences in Northern Ireland and currently in the Middle East, he had a particular interest in the sections on human rights and dispute resolution.
The Attorney General, Mr Michael McDowell, welcomed the initiative to "further the general notion of an international community of knowledge and understanding on law". The legal heritage of Ireland and the US had a great deal in common: "I wouldn't like all of that to be forgotten as European integration goes along."