Practice directions CC 26 and HC 94, which came into effect yesterday, place new obligations on solicitors “in the interests of public health and the health of all those engaged with the administration of justice”.

The new rules apply to “the solicitor on record for any party to an application or proceeding the subject matter of a corporeal hearing” in the Circuit Court or the High Court.

Michele O’Boyle, president of the Law Society of Ireland, said: “It is critical that all solicitors involved in litigation ensure that there is rigid compliance with the practice direction. It is in the public interest to do so.”

Solicitors are already required under public health guidelines to collect contact details from anyone attending their offices.