The inaugural Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC) Law Day seminar took place on Monday 17th January in the McMunn theatre. The theme of the seminar was 'equal access to justice'. A wide perspective on equal access to justice was provided by the speakers who focused on the need for the legal system to provide for those on the margins of society.

Former Supreme Court Judge, Catherine McGuinness spoke of the need for the law to reflect the social need to the community it serves. Judge McGuinness reflected on the 30 years since FLAC was founded by law students and gave a humorous take on her experience of FLAC in it’s earliest days, including an interesting anecdote involving the incarceration, albeit temporary of Santa Claus. Judge McGuinness who now holds the position of President of the Law Reform Commission spoke of the need for reform of the often complex and inaccessible legal system in Ireland.

Mr. Larry Donnelly, Manager of the Public Interest Law Alliance (PILA) spoke about the need for corporate law firms to engage in pro bono work and outlined the activities that PILA is undertaking to achieve this goal. Mr. Donnelly urged law firms to engage with PILA as pro bono is the equivalent of corporate social responsibility programme for law firms.

Ms. Lydia Foy spoke of her struggle to challenge the inequalities faced by her when seeking recognition of her gender reassignment. In particular, Ms. Foy addressed the need for the Irish legal system to provide better access to redress. She noted the difficulties, both financial and emotional that a litigant from the periphery of society can face.

Ms. Noeline Blackwell, Director of national FLAC concluded the seminar by focussing on the activities of FLAC and the continuing need to FLAC to promote access to justice to those on the margins. Ms. Blackwell commented on the recent success of FLAC in pursuing litigation on behalf of immigrants who were refused certain social welfare benefits.

The committee of NUIG FLAC would like to thank all those who attended, the speakers and NUI Galway Law Society who have been invaluable assistance in helping NUIG FLAC reach its first anniversary.