Donncha gives us insight into his career as Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade I in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government.
Please tell us a little bit about your role.
As a parliamentary counsel, my job is to provide an expert legal service to the Government on the drafting of primary and secondary legislation. The simplest way to put it is that a parliamentary counsel helps turn new policies into law. Once the Government approves a new legislative proposal in principle, we receive instructions from Government departments on the legislative changes they want to make. We then cooperate with the Department to create a piece of legislation that gives legal effect to their desired policy change.
We also cooperate with Departments on changes to Irish law that are required by EU measures. I typically work on the legislation of four departments: Health; Foreign Affairs and Trade; Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Social Protection. This means my work is diverse and often presents novel legislative topics to tackle.
What were your reasons for applying for your role?
I was attracted by the opportunity to put my legal qualifications and expertise to use in service of the State. Legislation is just one way the State meets its many challenges, but it is an important way and one in which I felt I could be of some use.
What do you value most about your job?
I value the feeling of being so often truly engaged in, and motivated by, my work. The job sits right at the nexus of politics and law, and this keeps the obvious public importance of the work front-of-mind. Though the job can come with pressure at times (especially at the end of a legislative session), in those times it is easy to see the value, significance, and importance of public law and legislative work, which makes it easier to be resilient and focus on delivery.
What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?
The Office is very supportive of external training colleagues want to pursue. I have had the opportunity to complete advanced diplomas in a variety of legal topics, and to travel internationally for relevant conferences and seminars, all with the full support of the office. This is enjoyable in its own right but has also developed the breadth of my skills and knowledge as a lawyer. Though colleagues are expected to work in the office full-time for the first year, I also greatly value the ability to work from home for 2 days a week. This is voluntary but it works for me personally and is not something I take for granted.
What opportunities has this role provided for you?
I have been given the opportunity to deliver papers on legislative drafting topics at conferences in Washington DC, Brussels, and Zambia. I can’t see any other role in which I’ve have had similar opportunities.
What has surprised you since starting this role?
When I started, I found myself marvelling at my colleagues’ standard of professionalism and competence. A certain outdated and negative stereotype of civil servants exists, which people outside the office are far more likely to absorb than anything positive. I have found those stereotypes to be totally baseless, and I still frequently marvel at how energised, knowledgeable, and dedicated my colleagues are.
What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?
I think the role of parliamentary counsel is just about as creative as legal work gets – you are constantly called upon to look at issues from many angles, devise solutions to tricky problems, and challenge your own thinking. It is uncommonly engaging and stimulating for the work of a lawyer.
Would you recommend a career in the public sector and why?
I strongly recommend a career in the public service. Particularly as a lawyer, the variety and quality of work is unmatched, in my view. It is easy to feel a sense of unity of your personal and professional values, and the consequences and importance of your work are easy to see.
Find out more here about our Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade II competition.