There have been 78 foreign trips by Irish judges between June 2016 and July 2017, according to figures obtained by the newspaper, most of which were to legal conferences.

However, the Courts Service of Ireland told the newspaper that Irish judicial attendance at European and UK conferences has become increasingly important since Britain’s decision to leave the EU.

In a statement, it said: “As a result of the impending Brexit it is essential that there be a common law voice in Europe.”

Judges have also indicated they believe the trips are essential to network effectively with other legal systems on areas like extradition and asylum law, given Ireland’s status among EU member states.

Leading Irish legal experts have warned Ireland will become much more isolated as one of only two common law jurisdictions in the EU.