Geologists in Ireland have formed a new body responsible for professional standards and for promoting the science and practice of geology.
The inaugural meeting of the Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI) adopted a code of ethics, a constitution, and a continuing professional development policy for its members.
The IGI also has disciplinary powers as well as registering professional geologists working in this country.
The IGI's president, Dr Eibhlin Doyle, said that over time it was the IGI's objective that all professional geologists practising in Ireland - about 300 - should be registered.
"The IGI provides a focus for all professional geologists who contribute to Government, academia and industry, and who practice in a wide range of disciplines, including environmental science, engineering geology, hydro-geology, mining and quarrying, petroleum geology, research and development, as well as in various regulatory agencies," Dr Doyle said.
The institute is affiliated to the European Federation of Geologists and was authorised to register the title "European Geologists" or EurGeol to its professional members in Ireland.
The IGI is based at the Department of Geology, UCD.