Celebrating Dublin as a Global Hub for Medical Regulation

Earlier this week, I had the honour of officially opening the 16th International Conference on Medical Regulation, hosted by the Medical Council of Ireland and the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA).

It was the first time in over 20 years that this global gathering returned to Dublin, and as Lord Mayor, I was proud to welcome nearly 400 delegates from across the world to our capital city.

The theme of this year’s conference — “People-focused regulation for a safer global community” — could not have been more timely. At its heart, regulation is about one simple but powerful idea: people. Protecting people. Supporting patients. Ensuring that healthcare is safe, effective, and trustworthy no matter where in the world it is delivered.

Ireland is recognised internationally for the quality of its medical education, research, and training. Dublin itself is home to three world-class medical schools, two of which — RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Trinity College Dublin — are right in the heart of our city centre. Their presence reflects Dublin’s long-standing role as a hub of medical excellence and innovation.

During the opening ceremony, I spoke of the global challenges faced by healthcare today — conflict, famine, natural disaster — and the pain felt by doctors and professionals who are unable to provide the most basic care due to a lack of resources or facilities. Against that backdrop, it was inspiring to see such a wide international delegation united in a common purpose: protecting humanity through strong, people-centred medical regulation.

The conference programme featured some truly outstanding voices, including my former colleague and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who led Ireland through immense challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and brings a unique perspective as both doctor and political leader. Delegates also heard from Dr Austin O’Carroll, whose work with marginalised communities in Dublin has transformed lives and demonstrated the power of medicine to reach those most in need.

As Lord Mayor, my theme this year is Celebrating Dublin — celebrating our people, our neighbourhoods, and our ambition for the future. That theme also informed my remarks at the conference. I highlighted the launch of the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Dublin 2050, which will set out a long-term vision for the type of capital city we want to build by the middle of this century.

Just as the medical profession looks ahead — anticipating challenges, innovating solutions, and making decisions today that improve lives tomorrow — Dublin too must be forward-looking. We must ask: what should our city centre look and feel like in 2050, and how can it better serve Dubliners across the city?

Hosting IAMRA 2025 in Dublin was a reminder that our city is both historic and forward-facing, local and global. I hope that our international visitors left not only with new knowledge and networks, but also with an appreciation for Dublin’s warmth, creativity, and ambition.

It was a privilege to welcome the world’s medical regulators to our capital. As they look to the future of healthcare, Dublin too is imagining its future — and both are guided by the same principle: that what we do today must always serve people first.