Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains - Membership and Objectives

Membership and Objectives

Previously any hereditary Chief or Chieftain of a Gaelic Irish Surname recognised as such by the Chief Herald of Ireland and registered in Clár na dTaoiseach could be admitted provided that proof of hereditary origin was vetted by the Chief Herald and that the Name is approved at an AGM of the Standing Council. However, in 2003 the Chief Herald of Ireland ceased providing courtesy recognition to Chiefs of the Name and consequently the Standing Council has temporarily postponed admitting new members until a new mechanism for recognition can be found.

Regardless of the non admission of new members the Standing Council continues to operate to fulfill the following objectives:

• To consider matters affecting the Irish Chiefs, Chieftains and the clans they represent;

• To submit its view and interests to Government, to Departments of State, to local authorities, to Press and Public and to Associations connected with and Family in Ireland and overseas;

• To educate the general public in matters connected with the rights, functions and historical position of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains;

• To take such steps as may seem expedient to protect the titles, armorial bearings and other appurtenances of Chiefs and Chieftains from exploitation or misuse in trade or otherwise;

• To promote and preserve the Gaelic heritage of Ireland;

• Any other objects related to the above subjects.