home » public interest

PILA - Public Interest Law Alliance

PILA is a new project established in 2009 by FLAC. For further information on the work of PILA, please visit the temporary website. A new and comprehensive site will be launched in the coming months.

Aim and Objectives

The aim of PILA is to facilitate and promote the use of the law in the public interest for the advancement and protection of human rights for the benefit of the marginalised and disadvantaged.

Members of the Alliance

PILA seeks to be a vibrant community of individuals and organisations committed to using the law in various ways in the public interest and who quickly become aware of the work, agendas and resources of each other and work to maximum common effect.

PILN

Beginning with the Public Interest Law conference in October 2005, FLAC has been building on the interest and momentum for promoting law as a tool for social justice in Ireland. There is a clear need for a reference point or hub for Public Interest Law and Litigation activity. Thus the Public Interest Law Network (PILN) was established.

This involves an electronic resource in the form of a bulletin for members to share information on public interest law. PILA seeks to build on what was achieved through the network and consolidate the culture and practice of public interest law in Ireland. The PILN Bulletin is now known as the PILA Bulletin.

PILA Bulletin

Today the bulletin has a core group of some 500 individuals and organisations which continues to grow. A PILA Bulletin is emailed bimonthly, containing information on cases, developments and events in public interest law that might be of interest to members.
Until the new website is launched, you can continue to read the latest PILA Bulletins or view the archive of previous bulletins in the archive below.

Why receive the PILA bulletin?

Joining PILA will enable you to join legal practitioners, legal and non-legal NGOs, academics and other interested parties in receiving updates on the most current developments in the area of public interest law and litigation, such as legislative changes, jurisprudence and on-going campaigns both nationally and internationally as well as filling you in on conferences and events.
If you would like to sign up, please contact the PILA team at bulletin@pila.ie and we will be delighted to supply further information and/or add your name to the network

PILN Bulletin Archive

  • PILA Bulletin, 9 July 2010

    In this week's bulletin:

    1. FLAC welcomes interim recommendations of Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt Expert Group;
    2. Department of Justice orders relocation of asylum seekers in Mosney;
    3. Justice for Magdalenes group approach Irish Human Rights Commission to conduct inquiry;
    4. Further sections of Charities Act 2009 to be commenced;
    5. 'Defending Human Rights in Contemporary Ireland', paper from Michael Farrell as keynote speaker to LLM Students Annual Conference, June 2010;
    6. N. Ireland: Report released on Human Rights analysis of budgeting for social housing in Northern Ireland;
    7. UK: Appeal won in Supreme Court by homosexual asylum seekers;
    8. UK: Supreme Court overturns previous landmark finding, ruling British troops not protected by human rights legislation outside of military bases;
    9. UK: Anti-terror stop and search powers to be scrapped;
    10. U.S.: Supreme Court upholds law which permits advocates advising banned organisations to be prosecuted as terrorists;
    11. UN: In historic move, UN to establish single entity to promote equality for women;
    12. Prison Law Seminar Series: 'Litigating Prison Conditions' 13 July 2010;
    13. Call for Tender: A Critical Review of Anti-Discrimination Law in Ireland;
    14. Events: Advocacy Initiative call for expressions of interest in developing next phase, July 2010;
    15. Law Centre (NI) hosts one day training course 'Mental Health and Criminal Justice', 5 August 2010;
    16. Upcoming courses with Respond Housing Association, September 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 25 June 2010

    In this week's bulletin:

    1. Government drops appeal in historic transgender case;
    2. Mr. Justice McKechnie nominated for appointment to Supreme Court;
    3. Marriage Equality "We Are Family" campaign;
    4. MRCI hosts roundtable on forced labour, and in UK: Victim of forced domestic labour receives justice;
    5. UK: Transgender woman wins legal battle to receive pension at 60;
    6. UK: Lord defends Human Rights Act in special lecture on Challenges of the new Supreme Court;
    7. UK: Camera surveillance project of predominantly Muslim area of Birmingham halted after threat of legal action from civil liberties group Liberty;
    8. UK: Public Legal Education Network releases new guide on principles and guidance for PLE providers;
    9. Hungary: Human rights victory in pro bono case for victims of anti-Roma school segregation;
    10. ECHR: Convention does not oblige states to ensure the right to marry to homosexual couples;
    11. ECHR: Greece found in breach of right to freedom of religion;
    12. New modules on Galway LL.M. in Public Law;
    13. The Thomson Reuters Foundation launches "TrustLaw";
    14. Events: The Bar Council hosts seminar "The Role of Lawyers in Environmental Protection", 30 June 2010;
    15. Irish Women Lawyers Association hosts conference on White Collar Crime, 3 July 2010;
    16. Judicial Review in Asylum Cases, seminar, 5 July 2010;
    17. Irish Penal Reform Trust hosts Open Forum 2010 - "Exploding Prisoner Numbers - Causes, Effects and Solutions" and seminar - "Litigating prison conditions", 13 July 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 9 June 2010

    In this week's bulletin:

     

    1. Equality and Rights Alliance makes oral submission to European Parliament over cutbacks;
    2. Fines Bill becomes law;
    3. Replacement immigration legislation to be introduced by autumn;
    4. Clarification on issue of stamp duty under Civil Partnership Bill;
    5. UK: Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards lawyers committed to publicly-funded work;
    6. UK: Public Legal Education Network release report showing serious lack of knowledge of rights and basic legal processes;
    7. UK: Video available online of Amicus mock trial of US death penalty;
    8. International: Human Rights Council adopts resolution condemning "outrageous attack" by Israeli forces;
    9. International update: Presidential pardon releases gay couple from Mala wian prison;
    10. The PILS Project launches Newsletter;
    11. Clinical Legal Education: Petition made by US Law School's Human Rights Clinic results in provision of services for Puerto Rican community;
    12. Community Legal Education: Respond Housing Association running three courses on Housing, Applied Social Studies and Development, Autumn 2010;
    13. Events: Bar Council hosts half-day conference: "The Arbitration Act 2010 - A New Landscape for Arbitration in Ireland", 12 June 2010;
    14. University of Ulster Law School hosts International Conference on the Rights of the Child: "The Children's Convention at 21: The Rights of the Child come of age?", 19/20 June 2010;
    15. Immigration Law Practitioners' Association training session: "Conducting cases in the public interest", 30 June 2010;
    16. IBA Pro Bono and Access to Justice Committee invites nominations for 2010 Annual Pro Bono Award.

     

     

  • PILA Bulletin, 26 May 2010

    In this week's bulletin

    1. Launch of Irish Human Rights Law Review;
    2. Michael Farrell speaks about Foy case at UCC event (paper attached);
    3. New FLAC Centre opens in north inner city;
    4. Dolphin's Barn residents claim violation of human rights;
    5. Major reform in libel law removes privilege inequity between Oireachtas members and witnesses;
    6. High Court clarifies right of audience of barristers;
    7. Amendments to Civil Partnership Bill;
    8. UK: Pakistani students deemed "security risk" to the State win fight to remain in UK;
    9. UK: Article 8 ECHR invoked in eviction case;
    10. International: Gay marriage legalised in Portugal while gay couple sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in Malawi;
    11. Canadian Law Society relaxes conflict of interest rules in relation to pro bono work;
    12. Job vacancies: FLAC seeking to recruit PILA Manager, deadline 4 June 2010;
    13. The PILS Project seeks a Solicitor and Project Manager to cover Maternity Leave, Belfast, deadline 4 June 2010;
    14. Events: "Judicial Review North - Trends and forecasts 2010", hosted by the Public Law Project, 24 June 2010;
    15. Advanced Geneva Training Course on International Human Rights Law and Advocacy, 13-24 September 2010.

     

     

  • PILA Bulletin, 13 May 2010

    In this week's bulletin:

    1. Standing notice - Join the PILA lawyers' register!
    2. PILA hosts launch of Irish Human Rights Law Review, 20 May 2010
    3. PILA law seminar series review
    4. High Court refer decision on data retention to the ECJ
    5. State's judges give unanimous support for establishment of judicial council
    6. UK: Landmark equal pay judgment could result in multi-million pound payout for female workers
    7. UK: Lord Justice Laws rejects special legal protection for Christianity
    8. UK: Legal action taken by Public Interest Lawyers over detention centre conditions
    9. E.U: ECJ rules social security benefits cannot be withheld from spouses of persons linked with Al-Qaeda
    10. Job vacancies: The PILS Project seeks a Solicitor and Project Manager to cover Maternity Leave, Belfast, deadline 4 June 2010
    11. "Towards a Gender Recognition Framework for Ireland", Symposium hosted by UCC, 14 May 2010
    12. Launch of Law Reform Commission's Interim Report on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement, 17 May 2010
    13. The Equality Authority is holding a legal conference on "Expanding Equality Protections in Goods and Services: Irish and EU Perspectives", 21 May 2010
    14. The Irish Penal Reform Trust, launch of report on the "Reintegration of Prisoners in Ireland", 25 May 2010
    15. Irish Mental Health Lawyers Association seminar, 27 May 2010
    16. The International Law Association in association with the Irish Society of International Law hosting talk on "The Future of the International Criminal Court after the Review Conference", 15 June 2010
    17. E.U: The European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities 4th Equality Summit, 15-16 November 2010

  • PILA Bulletin, 5 May 2010

    In this week’s bulletin:

    1. Standing notice – Join the PILA lawyers’ register!
    2. Upcoming PILA international law seminar, 7 May 2010;
    3. PILA hosts launch of Irish Human Rights Law Review, 20 May 2010;
    4. Thirty-five years of Northside Community law Centre;
    5. Governor of Mountjoy’s female prison resigns;
    6. Equality Tribunal’s Annual Report sees threefold rise in discriminatory dismissals;
    7. Northern Ireland: G and D: The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007;
    8. UK: Absence of review mechanism renders permanent inclusion on sex offender register incompatible with European Convention on Human Rights;
    9. UK: Council of Europe presses UK to introduce total ban on smacking children;
    10. Commissioner for Human Rights intervenes before Court in asylum cases;
    11. Spain Supports Judges Inquiry into Franco Regime;
    12. U.S: Civil rights leader Dorothy Height dies aged 98;
    13. Probono.net;
    14. Fair Ireland Forum presents: ‘The Human Rights of Children and Families: prevention, intervention and support in times of crisis’, 11 May 2010;
    15. Irish Women and Lawyers Association, Seminar on the Civil Partnership Bill 2009, 12 May 2010;
    16. Access to Justice: For some or for all? Conference, 15 May 2010;
    17. Law Society Annual Human Rights Lecture, 19 May 2010;
    18. International Course on Children’s Rights titled ‘Children’s Rights in a Globalised World: from Principles to Practice’, 5-17 September 2010;
    19. European Pro Bono Forum, Paris, 18-19 November 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 15 April 2010

    In this week’s bulletin:

    1. Standing notice – Join the PILA lawyers’ register!
    2. Upcoming PILA conference and seminar;
    3. Irish Traveller Movement Law Centre item on Traveller ethnicity and the UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination;
    4. Bill to give gay couples same tax code as married couples;
    5. Northern Ireland Appoints First Justice Minister since 1972;
    6. U.K: Crucifix Ban Discrimination Case Fails;
    7. U.K: New U.K Human Rights Blog;
    8. U.S: Leading Liberal U.S Supreme Court Justice Confirms Retirement;
    9. Australia: No longer accepting refugee claims from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan;
    10. Events: DCU to host Inaugural Annual Law and Society Lecture, 21 April 2010;
    11. The Irish Centre for European Law is hosting a lecture title ‘Financial Services Update: Regulation in a Time of Crisis’, 23 April 2010;
    12. U.K: Times/Matrix forum and debate on the Human Rights Act, 20 April 2010;
    13. Centre for Disability Law and Policy to host one day conference on International and Comparative Perspectives on Employment and Disability Law, 24 April 2010;
    14. EU: International Course on Children’s Rights titled ‘Children’s Rights in a Globalised World: from Principles to Practice’, 5-17 September 2010;
    15. E.U: 2010 European Pro Bono Forum, Paris, 18-19 November 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 1 April 2010

    In this week’s bulletin:

    1. Standing notice – Join the PILA lawyers’ register!
    2. Upcoming PILA conference and seminar;
    3. Human Rights Commission publishes report on adults with severe disabilities;
    4. Law Reform Commission publishes consultation paper on jury service;
    5. ESRI/IZA Study on Active Inclusion of Migrants;
    6. UK: Corporate lawyers to give pro bono advice at Lovells international law firm;
    7. UK: Vicarious Liability for Abuse of Non-Catholic;
    8. European Court of Human Rights: segregation of Roma children in Croatian school found to be discriminatory;
    9. Serbia Apologises for Massacre of 8000 Muslims;
    10. USA: Washington State Bans Shackling of Pregnant Inmates;
    11. USA: Supreme Court: “Originalist versus Activist”;
    12. USA: New York Law Schools Safe Passage Immigration Project;
    13. EU: FEANTSA Events;
    14. DCU to host Inaugural Annual Law and Society Lecture, 21 April 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 19 March 2010

    In this week’s bulletin:

    1.Standing notice – Join the PILA lawyers’ register!

    2.Save the dates! Upcoming PILA events;

    3.UK: Supreme Court determines test to be used when considering extradition of suspect and impact this may have on their right to a family life;

    4.UK: Report of English Advisory Panel on Judicial Diversity recommends positive discrimination against men;

    5.European Court of Human Rights: Refusal to index-link pensions of former residents not discriminatory;

    6.European Court of Human Rights finds succession to a tenancy of a property in Poland which is denied to a homosexual after his partner’s death is discrimination;

    7.European Court of Human Rights finds the UK to have breached rights of two Iraqis it transferred to Iraqi authorities;

    8.Prison Law Seminar, Irish prison law and the ECHR, 22 March 2010;

    9.Launch of Akiwda’s new publication, Am only saying it now- experiences of women seeking asylum in Ireland, 25 March 2010;

    10.Africa Centre, training for trainers, Dublin 1, 14 April – 22 April 2010;

    11.DCU to host Inaugural Annual Law and Society Lecture, 21 April 2010;

    12.International conference on equality at UCD, 5-7 May 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 4 March 2010

    1. Standing notice – Join the PILA lawyers’ register!

    2. Save the dates! Upcoming PILA events

    3. FLAC launches Direct Provision report

    4. Attorney General ordered to pay costs in frozen embryo case

    5. Law Centre successfully settles equality case against local authority re married 17 year olds

    6. Inclusion Ireland launches petition calling on Government to introduce modern capacity legislation

    7. UK: Crown Prosecution Service publishes clarification on law concerning the assisting or encouraging of suicide

    8. UK: Court of Appeal in England finds it permissible to prohibit Christian employees from wearing crosses at work

    9. UK: European Anti-Racism Committee Reports on UK

    10. Reform Plan for European Court of Human Rights

    11. EU Rights Commissioner Outlines Programme

    12. France Condemned for Treatment of Travellers

    13. ECJ makes landmark rulings on immigrant parents

    14. The IBA Women Lawyers' Interest Group Outstanding International Woman Lawyer Award

    15. Internship opportunity with the Equality and Rights Alliance

    16. Call for Papers: Conference on the Convention on the Rights of the Child

    17. Event: Irish Society of International Law’s annual Séan Lester Lecture, 11 March 2010, Dublin 7

  • PILA Bulletin, 11 February 2010

    1. Standing notice – Join the PILA lawyers’ register!

    2. FLAC to launch new report on direct provision, 18 February 2010 and regional launch in Limerick on 22 February 2010;

    3. Northern Ireland Agreement includes legal aid call;

    4. UK: Government loses torture appeal;

    5. UK: Supreme Court quashes Orders for freezing assets of suspected terrorists;

    6. UK: English Bar Council to judicially review Ministry of Justice’s consultations on new criminal legal aid work fees;

    7. UK: Home Office to pay compensation to Bolivian family for imprisoning them whilst their case was under judicial review;

    8. UK: National Equality Panel in the UK publishes An Anatomy of Economic Inequality;

    9. European Court of Human Rights: Detention of children in transit centre deemed to be inhuman and degrading treatment;

    10. International: Muslim veils to the fore once again in France;

    11. International: International Criminal Court to rehear charges of genocide against Bashir;

    12. Article attached on lesbian couple case;

    13. Events: School of Law, Queens University Belfast conference on Disability, Discrimination and Human Rights, 20 February 2010;

    14. The Faculty of Law, University College Cork, conference on Mental Health Law, 26 February 2010;

    15. Faculty of Law, University College Cork, 4th Annual Criminal Justice and Human Rights Lecture, 4 March 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 28 January 2010

    In this week’s bulletin:

    1. Standing notice – Join the PILA lawyers’ register!;

    2. Update: Launch of FLAC's Direct Provision Report, 18 February 2010;

    3. FLAC News available on FLAC website;

    4. Supreme Court clarifies criteria for judicial review of administrative decisions affecting fundamental rights in Meadows case;

    5. Update: ERA complaint to the EU Commission not accepted;

    6. Ireland nominates Anastasia Crickley to the Committee of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;

    7. European Court of Human Rights: Application seeking to broaden the Court’s approach to standing in a case concerning alleged abuses at psychiatric hospital in Romania;

    8. Russia backs reform at the European Court of Human Rights;

    9. UK: 2009 UK Pro Bono award;

    10. UK: English High Court grants judicial review in case of extraditing Gary McKinnon to the US;

    11. UK: High Court in England rules compensation may be payable to terror suspects detained on control orders;

    12. US: Class action suit filed in LA to defend rights of autistic children to treatment;

    13. Jobs – various positions;

    14. Launch of ICCL Know Your Rights booklet;

    15. Events: Upcoming events at the Law Centre, Northern Ireland;

    16. Events: Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights at University College Cork will hold its IV Annual Postgraduate Conference, 29 April 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 14 January 2010

    In this bulletin:

    1. New Year’s Resolution – join the PILA lawyers’ register!

    2. Preliminary notice: Launch of FLAC's Direct Provision Report, 18 February 2010;

    3. FLAC to open new legal advice clinic in NUIG;

    4. Government publishes its joint third and fourth periodic report under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination;

    5. New public interest webpage on LawSociety.ie;

    6. UK: Local authority entitled to compel a registrar to officiate at the registrations of same-sex civil partnerships despite her objections to such unions;

    7. UK: First criminal trial without jury in 400 years takes place in English and Wales Crown Court;

    8. European Court of Human Rights finds that UK police powers to ‘stop and search’ violate Article 8 of the Convention;

    9. ECtHR hands down judgment in significant trafficking case;

    10. International: Mexico City becomes first city to legalise gay marriage in South America;

    11. Obituary: Sir Ian Brownlie 1932-2010;

    12. Community legal education;

    13. Jobs: Solicitor sought for independent law centre;

    14. Events: European and Social Security Law Course, Belfast, 4 February 2010;

    15. 8th Child and Family Welfare Network Event, NUIG, 9 February 2010;

    16. The 8th International Clinical Legal Education Conference, Northumbria University, 7th - 9th July 2010.

  • PILA Bulletin, 17 December 2009

    In this week’s bulletin:

    1. Government loses Welfare Appeals; Changes the Rules;

    2. No payouts for prisoners in overcrowded conditions in Ireland, despite recent ECHR ruling;

    3. Developments in the rights of unmarried fathers;

    4. Abortion case continues at the European Court of Human Rights;

    5. Supreme Court delivers judgment in frozen embryos case;

    6. UK: Jewish school found to be guilty of race discrimination;

    7. UK: ‘Manifesto for justice’ published by coalition of legal, consumer and campaign groups;

    8. UK: Court finds activist's beliefs on climate change akin to religion;

    9. International: Prohibition on death penalty remains in Russia;

    10. Two papers attached by Michael Farrell and Richard Humphreys SC;

    11. Launch of the Law Reform Commissions Consultation Paper on Children and the Law, 22 December 2009;

    12. LILAC Conference on Legal Education, Warwick, 29-30 January 2010;

    13. Public Legal Education Network conference on Legal Empowerment, 10 February 2010, London.

  • PILA Bulletin, 3 December 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. High Court gives judgement in asylum test case;

    2.Cuts in human rights budgets harm Ireland’s image;

    3.FLAC’s Third Annual Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture;

    4.UK: English Bar Standards Board permits joint practices of solicitors and barristers in limited circumstances;

    5.UK: Evidence of UK complicity in torture;

    6.Switzerland ban construction of minarets on Mosques;

    7.Public Interest Litigation: Australian Court delivers Landmark decision on Protective Costs Orders;

    8.Two papers attached by Michael Farrell and Martin O'Brien;

    9.Amnesty International invites written submissions from organisations involved in health and housing, deadline 14 December 2009;

    10.Community Legal Education: Housing law and policy course, Ballymun Community Law Centre in association with NUIG School of Law;

    11.Events: Immigrant Council of Ireland information session for organisations working with migrants, Athlone, 8 December 2009;

    12.Law Reform Commission to launch its report on Defences in Criminal Law, 14 December 2009.

  • PILA Bulletin, 20 November 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Independence of Equality Authority and Irish Human Rights Commission under the spotlight;

    2. PILA seminar series review, Using human rights law for clients: comparing the British and Irish experiences;

    3. Recent pro bono conferences, London and Budapest;

    4. European Court of Human Rights hands down two judgments on prison overcrowding which could have significance for the Irish penal system;

    5. USA: Human trafficking victim wins $768,000 in Californian court;

    6. Legal Education: Bristol University’s Innocence Project murder case referred back to English Court of Appeal;

    7. Community Legal Education: Human Rights Education Association E-learning Course in Human Rights Litigation, deadline 1 December 2009;

    8. Events: Child and Family 8th Welfare Network Event, Community Policing and Early Intervention, NUIG: Change of date;

    9. Advice Services Alliance (NI) Civil Justice Conference 2009, Belfast, 20 November 2009;

    10. Irish Family Planning Association 40th anniversary celebration, 27 November 2009;

    11. FLAC’s Third Annual Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture, 1 December 2009;12. European Agency for Fundamental Rights Conference, Making rights a reality for all, Stockholm 10-11 December 2009.

  • PILA Bulletin, 4 November 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Criminal Legal Aid now to include a barrister, in addition to a solicitor, for District Court proceedings;

    2. Ireland before the UN Human Rights Committee: One Year On;

    3. Supreme Court upholds golf club’s right to exclude women;

    4. UK: Proposed cuts to English criminal legal aid scheme could result in legal action by lawyers;

    5. EU: Commission takes the Netherlands to court on discriminatory student grants;

    6. USA: Law firms pay newly qualified lawyers to work for public good;

    7. Legal Education: More practice needed in legal education in Ireland;

    8. Law Centre Northern Ireland training courses, December 2009;

    9. Call for expressions of interest, Research Project on the Practice and Experience of Advocacy in Ireland;

    10. Events: FLAC’s Third Annual Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture, 1 December 2009;

    11. Public lecture by Prof Barbara Hudson, Queens University, 12 November 2009;

    12. Child and Family 8th Welfare Network Event, Community Policing and Early Intervention, NUIG, 24 November 2009.

  • PILA Bulletin, 21 October 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Free legal advice for Irish speakers;

    2. FLAC News available on FLAC website;

    3. Supreme Court vacancy advertised;

    4. UK: Guardian gagged from reporting parliament;

    5. UK: High Court uses Twitter to issue injunction;

    6. USA: Christian Cross’ case to be considered by US Supreme Court;

    7. China sentences six to death for their part in the ethnic riots;

    8. Legal education: New LLM degree in Galway;

    9. New Blog on Human Rights in Ireland;

    10. Amnesty International publishes a guide to mental health and human rights;

    11. Call for Researchers interested in Social Entrepreneurship in Ireland – Social Entrepreneurship Research Network (SERN);

    12. Events: Zunes to lecture on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East, 22 October 2009;

    13. Addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Post-Conflict Situations: The case of Liberia, 22 October 2009;

    14. Equality and Rights Alliance Advocacy Workshops, 21, 22 October, 5, 12 November 2009;

    15. Reforming the law on personal debt, Law Reform Commission, Annual Conference, 18 November 2009;

    16. Hart Judicial Review Conference, London, 11 December 2009.

  • PILA Bulletin, 8 October 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1.Public Interest Litigation: Foy Case - No Movement Two Years On;

    2.EU to get Commissioner for Fundamental Rights;

    3.UK: New Supreme Court takes on first case;

    4.UK: Challenge to law that allows UK employers to force workers to retire at the age of 65 unsuccessful;

    5.USA: Urban Justice Center’s Mental Health Project assists in achieving victory for 4300 Adult Home Residents with Mental Illness;

    6.International: UN Human Rights Committee first to declare that police identity checks motivated by race or ethnicity violate international human rights law;

    7.Community Legal Education: Equality Authority training for NGOs, Dublin, Limerick, Tullamore;

    8.Conferences & Events: Older and Bolder to launch submission on National Positive Ageing Strategy, 13 October 2009;

    9.The Stephen Livingstone Lecture 2009, QUB, 21 October 2009;

    10.UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to speak in Dublin, 21 November 2009;

    11.A Fairer Ireland: Equality and Rights at the Heart of Recovery, a conference hosted by the Equality & Rights Alliance, 24 November 2009.

  • PILA Bulletin, 25 September 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Public Interest Litigation: Lawyers working for UK NGO Shelter win first pro bono costs order;

    2. EU body appoints Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the UCD School of Social Justice to monitor racism in Ireland;

    3. ERA complaint to European Union;

    4. Training for UK judges;

    5. Transsexual prisoner succeeds in fight to move to women’s prison;

    6. European Court of Human Rights clarifies the obligations of the state to protect women from domestic violence;

    7. Community Legal Education: NUI Maynooth offers course in Equality Studies in Training and Development;

    8. Law Society offers Certificate in Human Rights;

    9. Job vacancies: AkiDwA seeks Employment Officer (Equality for Women Measure), deadline 2 October 2009;

    10. Conference & Events: Date for your Diary: Seminar on the European Convention on Human Rights for practitioners, 16 October 2009;

    11. Human Rights Standards and the Past: The Eames/Bradley proposals, a discussion to be hosted at the Human Rights Centre, QUB, 30 September 2009;

    12. Strategies for Tackling Forced Labour, seminar, 1 October 2009;

    13. Early registration for 2009 European Pro Bono Forum, Extraordinary Measures for Extraordinary Times, 5-6 November 2009;

    14. A Fairer Ireland: Equality and Rights at the Heart of Recovery, a conference hosted by the Equality & Rights Alliance, 24 November 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 20 August 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. FLAC issues Briefing Document on Habitual Residence Condition;

    2. Ombudsman secures early Social Welfare hearing;

    3. Supreme Court Says No to Legal Aid for Inquest;

    4. UCC Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights concludes second short course in Cork prison;

    5. Introducing Public Interest Litigation Support (The PILS Project);

    6. UK: British DPP to produce guidelines relating to assisted suicide;

    7. USA: Moderate sworn in as newest member of US Supreme Court;

    8. Founder of Public Interest Law Institute awarded 2009 International Human Rights Award;

    9. Paper by Lord Justice Sedley at the Annual Human Rights Lecture of the Law Society;

    10. Jobs – various positions;

    11. Second Annual McCluskey Civil Rights Summer School, Carlingford, 29 August 2009;

    12. Respond! Training opportunities on housing;

    13. Date for Your Diary: A Fairer Ireland: Equality and Rights at the Heart of Recovery, 24 November 2009;

    14. The Hart Judicial Review Conference, London, 11 December 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 23 July 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. European Court of Human Rights finds three “firsts” in case relating to disability;

    2. South Africa: Constitutional Court rules that unsuccessful litigants in cases involving constitutional matters should no be ordered to pay costs;

    3. US President nominates renowned human rights lawyer to his team;

    4. Chechnya: Award-winning human rights campaigner murdered;

    5. India: Dehli court decriminalises homosexuality;

    6. Job & Internship opportunities;

    7. Annual Human Rights Lecture, Law Society of Ireland, 27 July 2009;

    8. European Pro Bono Forum, Budapest, 5-6 November 2009;

    9. Access to Equality: A training course on the Equal Status Acts, ICCL & UCD, autumn/winter 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 7 July 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Introducing the Public Interest Law Alliance team;

    2. Irish Traveller Movement Law Centre opens;

    3. FLAC launches new report on the debt enforcement system, 6 July 2009;

    4. Key Decision on Habitual Residence Condition;

    5. Department drops demand for documents;

    6. Combat Poverty Agency closes its doors;

    7. Respond! opens call for applications for Bachelor of Social Studies in Housing and Community Studies at UCD;

    8. Seminar on immigration and the social welfare state, Maastricht, 21-22 September 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 5 June 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Disappointing Judgment on ECHR Act

    2. Rights agencies accuse RIA of stifling political debate

    3. Deaf woman serves on Minnesota Jury

    4. Europe: Hammarberg calls for more use of Social Charter

    5. China: Fears grow over human rights lawyers licence to practice

    6. USA: California upholds state ban on gay marriage

    7. Seminar on Disability and Learning in International Development, 9 June 2009

    8. Public lecture on development and migration, 11 June 2009

    9. Refugee Immigration Practitioners‘ Network lecture, 12 June 2009

    10. Irish Penal Reform Trust to host Open Form, 18 June 2009

  • PILN Bulletin, 21 May 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Iarnrod Éireann ordered to put up signs welcoming wheelchair users;

    2. Challenge to imprisonment for debt;

    3. FLAC launches new report on civil legal aid, Civil Legal Aid In Ireland: Forty Years On;

    4. Two papers: on recent developments in Human Rights and Judicial Review & on the gap between legal and social realities in recession-era housing;

    5. Europe: Thomas Hammarberg statement on the response of states to the global economic crisis;

    6. UK: Human rights for soldiers on battlefield operations;

    7. International: Kuwait elects first women parliamentarians;

    8. Equality and Rights Alliance Roundtable, 25 May 2009;

    9. Annual TASC lecture, 4 June 2009;

    10. Public Law Project "Judicial Review North 2009 Trends and Forecasts", 5 June 2009;

    11. Refugee Immigration Practitioners‘ Network lecture, 12 June 2009;

    12. Resourcing and Enabling Irish Civil Society – Considering the Role of Philanthropy, Centre for Nonprofit Management, 4th Annual Summer School, June 16-17 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 7 May 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. EU Fundamental Rights Agency report on levels of racism in Ireland

    2. UL, UNHCR – two reports on immigration in Ireland

    3. UK: Judge fired for rudeness to solicitors

    4. Philippines: Lawyers required to provide mandatory free legal aid service

    5. ACLU and others ask court to allow Muslim women to wear veils in court

    6. New issue of FLAC News 19(1), January-March 2009

    7. Paper by Michael Farrell, FLAC Senior Solicitor, presented at TENI Transforming Attitudes conference

    8. Irish Human Rights Commission: Policy Statement on s. 62 of Housing Act 1966

    9. Marriage Matters for Lesbian and Gay People in Ireland: Social and Legal Perspectives – A National Symposium, 7 May 2009

    10. Disclosure of Criminal Convictions: Proposals on a Rehabilitation of Offenders Bill, proposed by The Spent Convictions Group, 14 May 2009

    11. Irish Mental Health Campaign conference, 18 May 2009

    12. Civil Society: Enabling Dissent, 20 May 2009

    13. Symposium on the legal capacity of persons with disabilities in the light of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the EU, 4 June 2009

    14. Equality & Rights Alliance – Roundtable on the Independence and Effectiveness of Bodies under European Standards and Directives, 25 May 2009

    15. Irish Human Rights Commission: Internship/ professional placement programmes

  • PILN Bulletin, 23 April 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. FLAC, ICCL and IPRT host ICCPR follow-up conference;

    2. Courts Service produce DVD for young people;

    3. Independent report states that State-run centre for housing asylum seekers operates in an “inhumane environment”;

    4. Taoiseach winds up the National Forum on Europe;

    5. Public Interest Law in China;

    6. UN Anti-Racism Conference adopts final outcome document, 22 April 2009;

    7. Privacy and Discrimination conference, Belfast, 25 April 2009;

    8. 40 Years of FLAC, we celebrate with a poetry reading, 26 April 2009;

    9. NUIG hosts conference on Alternatives to Prison, 1 May 2009;

    10. Marriage Matters for Lesbian and Gay People in Ireland: Social and Legal Perspectives – A National Symposium, 7 May 2009;

    11. Irish Mental Health Campaign conference, 18 May 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 30 March 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Follow-Up Conference, 6 April 2009;

    2. Manager for new Public Interest Law project appointed;

    3. Are Declarations of Incompatibility effective?

    4. Speech delivered by former Chief Executive of the Equality Authority, 12 February 2009;

    5. Courts Service gets it wrong;

    6. Not essential to prove applicant was specifically targeted for eligibility for subsidiary protection on grounds of serious and individual threat to life;

    7. Kenyan legal aid activists murdered;

    8. Evicted Chagos Islanders not allowed to return home;

    9. Sudanese president charged with war crimes while top Serbian officials found guilty;

    10. Launch of The Single Protection Procedure – A Chance for Change, 31 March 2009;

    11. Democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights public lecture, Queen’s University, 31 March 2009;

    12. Transgender Human Rights Conference and Educational Seminar, 17-18 April 2009;

    13. Marriage Matters for Lesbian and Gay People in Ireland: Social and Legal Perspectives – A National Symposium, 7 May 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 26 February 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Follow-Up Conference, 6 April 2009;

    2. NI Court rules Children’s Commissioner cannot take case;

    3. EU directive on data retention to be introduced;

    4. Women’s Peace Camp wins case;

    5. First Guantanamo prisoner released under Obama regime;

    6. Legal proceedings against UK over breach of legal obligations relating to the Occupied Palestinian Territory;

    7. Judge Michael Kirby retires;

    8. Vacancies (various locations);

    9. European Commission consultation on access to a bank account, deadline 6 April 2009;

    10. Irish Women Lawyers Association: Conference, 28 February 2009;

    11. Transparency International launch and roundtable on Corruption in Ireland, 2 March 2009;

    12. Dublin Solicitors Bar Association: Litigation Seminar, 5 March 2009;

    13. International Women’s Day celebrations (various locations);

    14. Academy of European Law: Conference on Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in the Area of Migration, Strasbourg, 17 March 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 12 February 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. FLAC: First anniversary of Foy judgment;

    2. UK: Court says US and UK government pressure prevents publication of torture evidence;

    3. UK: More companies using human rights laws;

    4. European Court of Human Rights uses Airey decision to highlight its progress in celebrating 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

    5. International: Impoverished suffer from acute reduction in legal aid;

    6. Columbia: Court rules that gay and lesbian couples are entitled to same rights as straight couples;

    7. February 20 declared World Day of Social Justice;

    8. MarriagEquality seeks Interns and volunteers (Dublin City Centre);

    9. Inter-cultural Storytelling Seminar, 21 February 2009;

    10. Irish Women Lawyers Association: Conference, 28 February 2009;

    11. Academy of European Law: Conference on Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in the Area of Migration, Strasbourg, 17 March 2009;

    12. The Wheel: Annual Conference, 19 May 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 28 January 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Further resignations from board of Equality Authority

    2. Nigerian woman loses third High Court decision to challenge deportation

    3. Equality Tribunal finds obligation on employers relating to providing of employment related documentation to foreign nationals

    4. New Declarations of Incompatibility in UK

    5. International Bar Association launches Media Law and Freedom of Expression site

    6. Historic first trial opens at International Criminal Court

    7. New US President signs order to close Guantánamo Bay detention centres and to put a stop to rendition and torture

    8. Recent events highlight difference in respect for human rights lawyers

    9. FLAC, ICCL and IPRT to host ICCPR follow-up conference, 6 April 2009

    10. Equality and Rights Alliance seeks Campaign Coordinator, deadline for applications 6 February 2009

    11. Conference on the rights of victims, 7 February 2009

    12. Pat Finucane, his life and his legacy: Conference, 14 February 2009

    13. NI: Carers and their Rights: one-day training course, 18 February 2009

  • PILN Bulletin, 14 January 2009

    In this Bulletin:

    1. "Human rights" excluded as a "charitable purpose" from new Charities legislation;

    2. House of Lords rebukes Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for intervention in case relating to Holy Cross Primary School dispute;

    3. Advice on Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland presented to Secretary of State in Northern Ireland;

    4. Hammarberg backs transgender rights;

    5. International Bar Council passes pro bono declaration;

    6. Launch of international pro bono statement of principles and database;

    7. International Bar Association Human Rights Institute amicus brief on Suharto v. Time Magazine case;

    8. South Africa Constitutional Court appoints first openly gay judge;

    9. International: Rwandan genocide perpetrator jailed for life by UN tribunal;

    10. Migrants and the Police Complaints Process in Ireland seminar, 16 January 2009;

    11. Forum on End of Life In Ireland, call for Submissions deadline: 20 January 2009;

    12. National Service Users Executive Inaugural Conference, 24 January 2009;

    13. Irish Penal Reform Trust seeks three new staff members, deadline for applications 23 January 2009;

    14. Conference on the State and the Law, 28 January 2009;

    15. NI: Carers and their Rights: one day training course, 18 February 2009;

    16. UK Legal Empowerment conference: Public legal education: Improving lives, empowering communities, 23 February 2009.

  • PILN Bulletin, 10 December 2008

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Human rights fighting for recognition in Ireland 60 years after universal declaration

    2. Ireland: Challenge to Habitual Residence ruling

    3. Labour Party backs Equality and Human Rights bodies

    4. Government backs Human Rights Commissions at UN

    5. Draft Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland

    6. Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture on 1 December 2008

    7. Law Centre Northern Ireland seeks contact with persons from Northern Ireland who have needed Home Office permission to marry

    8. USA: Florida Court clears way for lesbians and gay men to adopt

    9. Over 100 countries sign global ban on cluster bombs

    10. Recruitment: Committee for the Administration of Justice seeking three new staff in Public Interest Litigation Support

    11. Event: Seminar on Life and Debt plus Tasc and NWCI publication Where Are We Now?, 11 December 2008

    12. Event: Safeguarding Trafficking Children in Northern Ireland, 11 December 2008

    13. Exhibition: Human Rights Posters by Civil, Social and Political Education students, 16 December 2008

    14. Conference: The State and the Law, 28 January 2009

    15. UK Legal Empowerment conference: Public legal education: Improving lives, empowering communities, 23 February 2009

  • PILN Bulletin 26 November 2008

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Public Interest Law Job Opportunity at FLAC, closing date for applications, 28 November 2008;

    2. Committee for the Administration of Justice seeks a Policing Programme Officer and a Criminal Justice Programme Officer;

    3. Equality and Rights Alliance online petition needs your support!;

    4. Judicial Review of Refusal to pay Child benefit;

    5. Ex Lord Chief Justice condemns Iraq invasion;

    6. Lithuania pays €40,000 for transgender operation;

    7. Declaration of incompatibility with European Convention of Human Rights made relating to a law allowing local authorities to evict tenants without first holding an independent inquiry;

    8. European Court of Human Rights intervenes on behalf of Nigerian woman to be deported from Ireland;

    9. Viewpoint by Thomas Hammarberg In Times of Economic Crisis, it is particularly essential to ensure the protection of social rights, 17 November 2008;

    10. New Government Plans on Rendition;

    11. Universal Declaration of Human Rights goes into orbit;

    12. Nepal to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation;

    13. ACLU Legal Director Mr. Steven Shapiro to speak at 2nd Annual Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture, 1 December 2008;

    14. Older and Bolder conference: “Nothing about us without us“ : Consulting Older People, 8 December 2008;

    15. Debate: Can Human Rights End Poverty? 9 December 2008;

    16. ICCL Human Rights Film School Competition Launch, 10 December 2008;

  • PILN Bulletin 12 November 2008

    In this Bulletin:
    1. Public Interest Law Job Opportunity at FLAC, closing date for applications 28 November 2008;
    2. Equality and Rights Alliance update;
    3. High Court holds eviction law incompatible with European Convention on Human Rights;
    4. New Criminal Law Online Service available;
    5. UK: Britain's only specialist anti-trafficking unit to close;
    6. UK: Removal of foreign national incompatible with European Convention on Human Rights;
    7. Europe: Court of Human Rights to hear case on whether online victims have the right to identify internet users;
    8. USA: California votes to ban gay marriage;
    9. The Use of the European Convention on Human Rights Act in the Courts to Assist the Vulnerable and Disadvantaged: Conference Paper by Michael Farrell, Senior Solicitor at FLAC;
    10. Mary Robinson to speak at event co-hosted by the IIEA Young Professionals' Network and Suas Educational Development Alumni Network , 17 November 2008;
    11. Human Rights documentary-maker to show film highlighting plight of Roma in UN camps in Kosovo, 19 November 2008;
    12. IHRC 3rd Annual Human Rights Lecture to be given by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, Tuesday 25 November 2008;
    13. World Aids Day Event in aid of Dublin Aids Alliance, 30 November 2008;
    14. ACLU Legal Director Mr. Steven Shapiro to speak at 2ndAnnual Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture.

  • PILN Bulletin 29 October 2008

    In this Bulletin:

    1. On International Day to Eradicate Poverty, FLAC seeks removal of anti-Poverty provisions in budget, 17 October 2008;
    2. Press Council takes stand against racism and intolerance;
    3. Mentally ill asylum seeker left homeless following eviction from direct provision;
    4. Landmark court decision finds Niger guilty of slavery;
    5. Spain should give legal aid to migrant children: Human Rights Watch;
    6. Iran limits execution of children;
    7. Conference: European Convention on Human Rights - Five Years On, 8 November 2008;
    8. IHRC 3rd Annual Human Rights Lecture to be given by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, Tuesday 25 November 2008;
    9. Conference: Growing Ethnic Business in Ireland, 26 November 2008;
    10. Date for your Diary: FLAC's Second Annual Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture, 1 December 2008.
    11. EAPN Training course on Human Rights and Income, 7 November 2008

  • PILN Bulletin 1 Oct 08

    PILN Bulletin 1 Oct 08

    In this issue:

    1. Social Charter Body rejects Free Travel Complaint;
    2. EU: Retirement age regulations are not discriminatory says advocategeneral;
    3. UK: Public Interest Legal Education Network launches newsletter;
    4. International: Influence of west to promote human rights agenda at the UN weakens, says EU NGO;
    5. USA: Laws suits and legislation regarding a civil right to counsel;
    6. Portugal: Criminal Complaint System goes online;
    7. Australia: Government rejects calls for mandatory pro bono work;
    8. Meeting – 1968-2008 Civil Rights then and now;
    9. Reminder: ATD Fourth World marks United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, 17 October 2008;
    10. Chambers Ireland human resources conference on diversity in the workplace, 22 October 2008;
    11. Conference: European Convention on Human Rights – Five Years On, 8 November 2008;
    12. Open Door Network, Annual Conference, 21 November 2008.

  • PILN Bulletin 16 October 2008

    In this Bulletin:

    1. ERA dismayed at budget cuts for equality and human rights bodies but welcomes abolition of merger plans

    2. Bosnia & Herzegovina: Strategic litigation used to combat discrimination

    3. USA: Connecticut becomes third state in the US to allow gay marriage

    4. UK and Northern Ireland: Committee on the Rights of the Child adopts its Concluding Comments on the UK and Northern Ireland

    5. UK: Terror Bill debate results in removal of some controversial elements

    6. USA: Voter registration woes as Presidential election nears

    7. Irish Society of International Law Annual Lecture 28 October 2008

    8. Second annual European Pro Bono Forum, Budapest, 5-7 November 2008

    9. Date for your Diary: FLAC's Second Annual Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture, 1 December 2008

    10. ICCL Human Rights Film School Competition Launch, 10 December 2008

  • PILN Bulletin 17 September 2008

    PILN Bulletin 17 September 2008

    In this bulletin:

    1. Opposition to proposed government merger of certain State-funded agencies;
    2. UK: Dispute over rate of pay for Legal Aid work risks delay in major trials;
    3. EU: European Commission asks lawyers to help create a true European area of justice;
    4. EU: Further steps taken toward codifying European asylum regime;
    5. Australia: Indigenous group lodges access to justice complaint against Australia to the UN;
    6. Death of Eileen Flynn, 9 September 2008;
    7. Law Society launches booklet on Civil Legal Aid;
    8. Civil Rights Commemoration Concert and Public Meeting, 18 September 2008;
    9. EAPN Ireland Roundtable: 2010 Year against poverty and social exclusion, 8 October 2008;
    10. Law Reform Commission Annual Conference, 14 October 2008;
    11. Speech given by Law Society President James MacGuill at Parchments ceremony, 28 August 2008;
    12. Proposed new EU anti-discrimination directive.

  • PILN Bulletin 4 September 2008

    PILN Bulletin 4 September 2008

    In this bulletin:

    1. Robinson criticises plan to merge human rights bodies, Irish Times article by Susan McKay;
    2. Equality Tribunal awards 74-year old woman compensation as a result of bank’s age discrimination;
    3. Scotland: Summary justice reforms to affect lawyer earnings through Legal Aid Scheme;
    4. UK: Emergency legal aid scheme for people facing repossession of their homes to be established in Eastbourne, East Sussex;
    5. USA: Court rules that user-generated Wikipedia should not be used by Department of Homeland Security in deciding on asylum cases;
    6. PES Group Photo Competition on Intercultural Dialogue for Young Europeans, closing date 20 September 2008;
    7. ATD Fourth World marks United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, 17 October 2008;
    8. Conference on Human Rights, Human Dignity: Health and Housing in Ireland, 21 October 2008.

  • PILN Bulletin 20 August 08

    PILN Bulletin 20 August 08

    In this issue:

    1. Equality Tribunal finds Englishman racially abused in Irish workplace;
    2. UK: Statutory scheme requiring Secretary of State’s permission for marriage by people who were subject to immigration control or were illegal entrants is disproportionate;
    3. South Africa: Applicant who successfully brought constitutional case demanding better housing, dies aged 39;
    4. UK: Rape victims warned that alcohol consumption before their attack may reduce compensation;
    5. UK: Update on computer hacker extradition case;
    6. US: Legislation expanding a student loan forgiveness programme for students who become legal aid lawyers, state or local prosecutors and public defenders signed into law;
    7. Law Society of Ireland launches its Legal Aid Taskforce Report, 5 September 2008
    8. Digital Story Telling Workshop, aimed at asylum seekers and refugees, hosted by DIT, FOMACS and RIS, starts 16 September 2008;
    9. Judicial Diversity: Strategies for Change, Evening Seminar, hosted by ICCL and Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, University College Cork, 18 September 2008.

  • PILN Bulletin 6 August 08

    PILN Bulletin 6 August 08

    In this issue:

    1. European Court of Justice overturns ban on EU spouses in Ireland;

    2. UN Human Rights Committee adopts Concluding Comments on Ireland;

    3. EU: Protections against direct discrimination/ harassment of disabled people in employment extended to non-disabled employees with disabled offspring;

    4. New UN High Commissioner for Human Rights appointed;

    5. UK: School guilty of indirect discrimination on religious grounds;

    6. Australia: Call for mandatory pro bono work;

    7. UK: Ban on unmarried couple’s adoption rights found incompatible with HRA;

    8. US: Former Senator George Mitchell receives Scales of Justice Award;

    9. Minister of State to launch African-Irish Hall of Fame Awards 2008;

    10. PROGRESS towards Equality conference, Belfast, 1 September 2008.

  • PILN Bulletin 24 July 08

    PILN Bulletin 24 July 08

    In this issue:

    1. Third periodic report of Ireland under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights examined by UN Human Rights Committee, 14-15 July 2008

    2. Launch of ICCPR Shadow Report to the third periodic report of Ireland, joint collaboration by FLAC, ICCL & IPRT, 14 July 2008

    3. FLAC receives international award for pro bono work, 14 July 2008

    4. UN appoints new Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders

    5. UK: Mother facing separation from son asks Law Lords for relief

    6. HSE to pay benefit after Judicial Review

    7. Fourth Annual Human Rights Lecture of the Law Society of Ireland now available

    8. Centre for Human Rights and Citizenship Education, INTO & Amnesty International Irish Section host conference on Human Rights Education For a Sustainable Future: Celebrating 60 years of the UDHR, 19 and 20 September 2008

    9. Equality Authority, Legal Aid Board launch Annual Reports

  • PILN Bulletin 9 July 08

    PILN Bulletin 9 July 08

    In this issue:

    1. Anonymous evidence ruled unfair by House of Lords

    2. U.S. Supreme Court bans death sentence for child rape

    3. International Bar Association launches website to bring together international pro bono practitioners

    4. Human rights principles can guide climate change policy, reports International Council on Human Rights Policy

    5. ICCL calls for surveillance law reform after Strasbourg Court victory

    6. Individuals have a right to keep handguns for lawful purposes, rules U.S. Supreme Court

    7. Irish Human Rights Commission calls for establishment of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Human Rights

    8. List of human rights based courses taking place in Europe

    9. Ireland’s hearing before the UN Human Rights Committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 14 & 15 July 2008

  • PILN Bulletin 24 June 08

    PILN Bulletin 24 June 08

    In this issue:

    1. Judge calls for State legal aid in cases raising public interest matters

    2. Boumediene decision: Guantánamo Bay detainees have a right to pursue habeas challenges to their detention, rules US Supreme Court

    3. Sikh ‘bangle case’ in the UK High Court

    4. Scholarships for Civil Society Activists in UCD

    5. Lunchtime law seminars in Ballymun, summer 2008

    6. Human Rights Council adopts Optional Protocol on ICESCR

    7. Law Lords consider UK computer hacker case

    8. Women in UK wins right to review of law on assisted suicide

    9. FLAC Public Interest Law seminar well attended

  • PILN Bulletin 10 June 2008

    PILN Bulletin 10 June 2008

    In this issue:

    1. Vulnerability and Equality - public lecture by eminent US legal theorist Martha Fineman, UCD School of Law
    2. Unanimous decision condemns Canada's role in 'illegal process'
    3. Amendments to Counter-Terrorism Bill would breach human rights law, joint committee on human rights warns
    4. Age bias victim to get £70,000 5. Google accused of breach of online Privacy Protection Act
    5. Turkish Court rules that gay rights group violated laws on the protection of the family.
    6. Violation of Roma Right to Education, rules ECtHR
    7. Inequality in forensic evidence could lead to miscarriage of justice
    8. Irish Refugee Council seeking a Legal Intern
    9. FLAC Public Interest Law Seminar, 20 June 2008

  • PILN Bulletin 26 May 2008

    PILN Bulletin 26 May 2008

    In this issue:

    1. International Bar Association speaks out as concern for Zimbabwe deepens
    2. Consultant opportunity in Amnesty International Irish section
    3. California lift gay marriage ban
    4. Convention on rights of people with disabilities in force
    5. Irish data breaches lead to creation of privacy forum
    6. UCC Annual Criminal Law Conference “Reforming Law on Sexual Violence: International Perspectives”, 27 June 2008
    7. Yorkshire Ripper in a legal bid to freedom
    8. Free speech victory as charges against teen anti-Scientology protestor dropped
    9. Age ban for Juries to be scrapped
    10. Challenge to Ban on Deaf Jurors to Begin
    11. FLAC Public Interest Law Seminar, 20 June 2008

  • PILN Bulletin 13 May 2008

    PILN Bulletin 13 May 2008

    In this Bulletin:

    1. Ruling on Locus Standi of a NGO by the Supreme Court.
    2. “Belfast 2008: Protesting Deportations – What Next?” A panel discussion around the issue of UK deportation, 27 May 2008.
    3. Six day summer course on the International Criminal Court to be held at the Irish Centre of Human Rights, Galway.
    4. Research opportunity: ICCL seeks researcher for a report on the role of the Irish judiciary in protecting and promoting international human rights in the Republic of Ireland.
    5. Discussion by ISIL on International Humanitarian Law in Ireland, 28 May 2008.
    6. European Court of Justice rules that the European Parliament deserves equal say with EU member states on classification of safe countries.
    7. Declaration of Incompatibility with European Convention on Human Rights in Housing Acts case.
    8. IPRT Annual Lecture on “Prison Inspection and the Protection of Human Rights” on 19 May 2008 in Dublin.
    9. UCC and Hope Foundation Cork and Kalkuta conference on Child Labour and Child Trafficking, 17 May 2008, in UCC Cork.
    10. UCD School of Social Justice Post Graduate Feminist Seminar on What Ivory Towers? Gender, Body and Sexuality presented by Paula Fagan, Women’s Aid, 16 May 2008.
    11. NUI Galway’s Law Faculty Annual Distinguished Lecture 2008: Family Law in Ireland and the United Kingdom: Common Threads and Divergent Perspectives.
    12. Seminar on “Best Practice in Provision of Services to Asylum Seekers”, 28 May 2008 at Carmelite Community Centre, Dublin.
    13. Two-day conference on “Why Marriage? Love and Justice in 21st Century Ireland”, 21-22 May 2008, Dublin
    14. FLAC’s Public Interest Law Seminar, 20 June 2008.

  • PILN Bulletin 21 April 2008

    PILN Bulletin 28 April 2008

    In this Bulletin:

    1. High Court rules that lesbian couple with a child enjoy family rights.
    2. The applications for postgraduate programmes in human rights in Queen’s University Belfast are now open.
    3. One day conference on Justice and Borders at Irish Royal Academy.
    4. UCC Postgraduate Conference on Criminal Justice and Human rights.
    5. Pulling the plug on a criminal investigation into alleged corruption held unconstitutional by the UK High court.
    6. UK Court of Appeal applies Saadi v Italy and prevents deportation to Libya.
    7. IPRT announces seminar on the theme of “Prisoners, Adjudication and Legal Representation".
    8. The Launch of the Law Reform Committee's “Enforcement of Environmental Law: The case for reform” programme.
    9. US Supreme Court holds that death by lethal injection is constitutional.
    10. The Law Society holding annual lecture on Human Rights on 7 May 2008.

  • PILN Bulletin 07 April 08

    In this Issue:
    1. State files Notice of Appeal in Foy Case;
    2. High Court upholds council's right to evict tenants;
    3. Applications for LLM (Criminal Justice) (Clinical) in UCC open;
    4. European Court of Justice rules favourably on pension rights for same-sex couples;
    5. Submissions to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights on the Immigration, Residence & Protection Bill;
    6. 'One-minute wonder' films to be screened on RTE 1 throughout Intercultural and Anti-Racism Week 2008 (7-14 April);
    7. Kofi Annan and Simone Veil receive 2008 Council of Europe North-South Prize;
    8. Ministry of Defence in UK admits breaching the human rights of an Iraqi man who died while in UK custody in Basra;
    9. Public lecture on Justice for Victims of International Crimes, Dublin, 7 April 2008;
    10. Concern surrounding fairness of conduct in Irish referenda.

  • PILN Bulletin 03 Mar 08

    In this issue:

    1. Thank you everyone for your feed back on the PILN Bulletin.
    2. Update on the Foy judgement.
    3. “Access to an Effective Remedy Challenging Immigration Decisions” an article by Hilkka Becker, Immigrant Council of Ireland. 
    4. FLAC presentation on the Habitual Residence Condition delivered to the Committee on Social and Family affairs on 6 Feb. 
    5. Link to the Committee meeting which the Minister attended on 20 Feb.
    6. NUIG Law Faculty Annual Distinguished Lecture for 2008 will be given jointly by The Right Honourable Baroness Hale of Richmond and Mrs. Justice Catherine McGuiness.
    7. Legal Advocacy Internship with Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI). Download details on MRCI internship here.
    8. Constitutional Court of South Africa Supreme Court upholds the right of homeless people.
    9. Strasburg Court bans deportation of terror suspect.
    10. Legal Aid for whistle- blower site.
    11. Dáil debates regarding the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006.

  • PILN Bulletin 12 Feb 08

    In this issue:

    1. Help FLAC evaluate the PILN Bulletin; 2. NUIG academics appointed to EU Rights Group; 3. European Commission to launch “Justice Forum”; 4. Trade unions for Prison Workers in Argentina; 5. Disability case at European Court of Justice could mean significant changes for carers; 6. Free Travel Case: Government submissions and FIDH Response now available; 7. No order for costs awarded in case of autistic boy; 8. Migrant worker awarded damages for gross breaches of employment law; 9. NASC to hold information seminar on Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, 11 February 2008; 10. Launch of Marriage Equality Initiative,18 February 2008; 11. Second Annual Distinguished Lecture in Criminal Justice and Human Rights, UCC, 21 February 2008; 12.Volunteers sought for research; 13.  Irish Council for Civil Liberties seeks three new staff members.

  • PILN Bulletin 28 Jan 08

    In this issue:

    European Anti-Poverty Agency launches response to Lisbon Implementation Reports 2007 and the European Commission's Annual Progress Report on the revised Lisbon strategy; U.S. Court: Torture a "foreseeable consequence of military detention"; European Court of Human Rights awards damages to lesbian who was refused the right to adopt; Australia to apologise for past treatment of Aborigines; Director of Public Prosecutions considers changing policy of not revealing his decisions not to prosecute; CEDAW moves to Geneva; Bankruptcy Law Seminar, 31 January 2008; Bar Council CPD Unit to hold conference on European Convention on Human Rights, 9 February 2008

     

  • PILN Bulletin 15 Jan 08

    In this Issue:

    1. Free Legal Advice Centres and Irish Council for Civil Liberties to host information session on the Department of Social and Family Affairs equality review of the Social Welfare Code, 18 January 2008
    2. Invitation for submissions as part of the consultative process for Ireland's joint Third and Fourth Reports under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
    3. Office of the Press Ombudsman established
    4. Government files Opposition Brief in FLAC/FIDH European case
    5. Law Reform Commission sets out its new programme of law reform
    6. Rights of Migrants
    7. First report on Undocumented Workers in Ireland by MRCI launched by Mary Robinson
    8. South Dublin County Council held to be in breach of human rights of young Traveller girl with cerebral palsy under Article 8 ECHR
    9. Calls for the Assembly of States to approve the proposed reform of legal aid programme of the International Criminal Court
    10. Joint Consortium on Gender Based-Violence calls on Taoiseach to speak out against gender-based violence during his trip to Africa this month.
    11. Twins in Mr. G Case to be returned to Ireland
    12. Ballymun Community Law Centre hosts course on Housing Law and Policy, in collaboration with NUIG Faculty of Law in Ballymun, starting 16 January 2008
    13. Poverty Research Initiative and Combat Poverty Agency call for proposals for Research Awards 2008
    14. NCCRI to launch European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008, 24 January 2008

  • PILN Bulletin 17 Dec 07

    In this Issue:
    Supreme Court overturns High Court ruling to award costs to unsuccessful party where High Court exercised its discretion to do so in case of public law litigation against a public body; International human rights NGO forced to close down; Recent Developments in Human Rights and Judicial Review by Michael Farrell; Child Benefit and Direct Provision issues raised before the Dáil; Legal Aid Board (LAB) Law Centre in Dublin city centre closed down; Irish Human Rights Commission releases report on rendition in Ireland; Victims of trafficking to receive compensation in the UK; Cuba announces it will sign two major UN human rights treaties and allow monitoring of its human rights record; American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) rebukes US Government for refusing visa for South African Scholar; Update on Foy Judgement; TASC Public Forum, Local government reform: What will it take?, Dublin 14 January 2008; Call for Papers for UCC Postgraduate Conference on criminal justice and human rights, 1 May 2008; Invitation to join consultative process for Ireland’s joint Third and Fourth Reports under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

  • PILN Bulletin 03 Dec 07

    In this issue:
    Update on Foy Judgement; two eminent High Commissioners for Human Rights visit Dublin; European Court of Human Rights finds violation of Article 2 by the UK in five cases regarding police collusion in killings and/or shootings Northern Ireland; Senator Ivana Bacik raises Seanad question on the lack of universality of child benefit on Universal Children's Day; Supreme Court finds actions of mother in G case in breach of Hague Convention on child abduction; South East Asian countries sign Charter committing them to the promotion of human rights and democracy; European Court of Human Rights finds violation with regard to searches carried out at the home and offices of journalist in Belgium, 27 November 2007; Department of Justice calls for submissions with regard to the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); 2010 European Year of Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion - ideas sought; European Legal Network On Asylum host course on Cessation and Exclusion Clauses, National Security and Non-Refoulement, Athens, 22-24 February 2008.

  • PILN Bulletin 19 Nov 2007

    In this issue:
    1. Update on Foy case
    2. Returning Irish emigrants being denied access to welfare benefits
    3. Hawai’i lawyers release Civil Legal Needs Assessment and Community Wide Action Plan to increase equal access to justice
    4. Czech Republic found guilty of racial discrimination against Roma community with regard to schooling
    5. 6th UK National Pro Bono Week culminates in first National Pro Bono Conference
    6. UK firm helps secure stay of execution for longest serving death row prisoner in the US
    7. The Protection of Fundamental Rights in the European Union Conference at the Academy of European Law, 19-20 November, Trier, Germany
    8. Seminar ECHR Update: The Recent Use of the ECHR in the Courts, Procedure, Remedies and Analysis 20 November 2007
    9. International Children’s Day takes place tomorrow, 20 November 2007
    10. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to speak at TCD, 23 November 2007
    11. Irish Human Rights Commission, 2nd Annual Human Rights Lecture by Thomas Hammarberg, 26 November 2007
    12. European Citizen Action Service Conference on issues around the European elections in 2009, 27 November 2007, European Parliament, Brussels
    13. AMEN, 10th Annual Conference, 10 December 2007, Dublin
    14. Irish Society of International Law’s third annual Sean Lester lecture to be given by Prof. Vaughan Lowe, 12 December 2007

  • PILN bulletin - 5 November 2007

     

    In this issue:

    Free Travel Case Declared Admissible by European Committee on Social Rights;
    Foy judgement not yet available;
    Extract from the Irish Times, Time to respect the rights of all gender identities, by Tanya Ní Mhuirthile, 1 November 2007;
    Personal Injuries Assessment Board to pay legal costs for vulnerable claimants
    House of Lords declares key aspects of system of control orders for terrorism suspects breach human rights standards;
    New federal law that makes legal aid, public interest law and other public service careers more attainable for graduates with significant educational debt passed in USA;
    Photo Exhibition to Celebrate Migrant Mothers and Daughters presented by the Forum on Migration and Communications and Immigrant Council of Ireland, 7 November 2007;
    Conference: Setting the Agenda: Employment Standards and Agendas in the Community Sector, 12 November 2007, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin;
    Children's Research Centre's Annual Lecture, 14 November 2007, Trinity College;
    Law and Mental Health Conference, NUI Galway, 17 November 2007;
    Sexual Orientation Access to Rights Research Seminar, 20 November 2007, Belfast;
    Irish Human Rights Commission, 2nd Annual Human Rights Lecture by Thomas Hammarberg, 26 November 2007

  • PILN Bulletin 22nd October 2007

    In this issue:
    Foy Judgment – FLAC welcomes Court’s recognition of transgender rights and first ever Declaration of Incompatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights, 19 October 2007, Inaugural Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture took place on 15 October 2007; Judgement due shortly in the Bode & Ors cases; Supreme Court overturns deportation orders relating to five Nigerian children whose mother was refused refugee status; The Migration Integration Policy Index reports that Ireland ranks last out of 28 European countries for its lack of long-term residency rights for migrant workers; Report on sex-trafficking in Ireland is published; UK Public Interest Lawyers take the Ministry of Defence to Court in relation to the alleged mutilation of the bodies of Iraqi insurgents in 2004;Constitutional Court of South Africa defends girl’s right to wear nose-stud in school; English Language Classes on Mondays at Deansgrange, South County Dublin; Seminar on Mental Health and Human Rights: Challenges for Law and Practice, UCC, 25 October 2007; The role of the NGO sector in representing the interests of groups experiencing inequality: Have your say, Equality Authority seminar on 14 November 2007;First ever UK national Pro Bono Conference to be held in London, 17 November 2007

  • PILN Bulletin - 5th October 2007

    In this issue:
    FLAC’s Inaugural Dave Ellis Memorial Lecture, 15 October 2007, Trinity College, Keynote Speaker: Professor Gerry Whyte, UK Public Legal Education and Support Task Force release the report of their year’s work, Creating capable citizens: the role of public legal education, Support shown for the growing Pro Bono practice among lawyers in Poland, The Minister for Social and Family Affairs fails to address the issue of best interest of the child when questioned recently in that regard in relation to Child Benefit, Fall recorded in number of EU migrant workers claiming Child Benefit for children living in home country, Treoir’s online resource on unmarried parents, Addition to programme of Equality, Legislation & The Constitution Conference, NUIG, 6 October 2007, Irish Human Rights Commission & the Law Society of Ireland Annual Conference, 13 October 2007, Public Interest Law Initiative to hold its first European Pro Bono Forum in Budapest on 17 October 2007, Seminar on Mental Health and Human Rights: Challenges for Law and Practice, UCC, 25 October 2007

  • PILN Bulletin - 19 September 2007

    In this issue:
    Foy Judgment Postponed – ECtHR Decision about Lithuania, Sexual Orientation Regulations Upheld, Pye v. United Kingdom, European Court of Human Rights, Judgement 30 August 2007, Unmarried father wins right to return of sons taken to UK by mother, 11 September 2007, Equality, Legislation & The Constitution Conference, NUIG, 6 October 2007,

  • PILN Bulletin - 29 June 2007

    In this issue:
    O'Donnell & Ors v South Dublin County Council; Equality Authority welcomes State Exams Commission settlement of case; SICCDA conference to look at creating inclusive communities; 'Pay to Play' campaign in Los Angeles; Law Reform Commission - final public consultation; Report shows Human Rights Act being used effectively in UK; Local authority ordered to compensate and provide suitable accommodation for family of disabled child.

  • PILN Bulletin - 24 May 2007

    In this issue:
    FLAC is recruiting for Policy and Campaigns Officer; SICCDA event on challenge of growing sustainable communities, July 07; FLAC takes case to the Committee on Social Rights re Free Travel for Elderly; Criminal Justice Bill 2007 implications on the right to silence; TCD organising conference on 70th Anniversary of Irish Constitution; Dublin Solicitors Bar Association Bursary to enable students to qualify as solicitor; European Commission against Racism and Intolerance - third report on Ireland.

    Attached files:

    1. Paper presented by Michael Farrell, Senior Solicitor, to conference on 'The Criminal Justice Bill, 2007: Implications for Law and Practice', School of Law, TCD - 9 May 2007, on 'The Right to Silence and the Criminal Justice Bill, 2007';
    2. Article on FLAC's case to European Committee on Social Rights re pensioners' right to free travel.

  • PILN Bulletin - 19 April 2007

    In this issue:
    Foy case back in court; Joint ICCL/IPRT/FLAC project on ICCPR; Law Reform Commission - Third Programme of Law Reform; Reminder: FLAC Seminar on Amicus Curiae Interventions; Ireland signs International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

  • PILN Bulletin - 20 March 2007

    In this issue:
    Seminar on Street Law, Dublin, Thursday 22 March; NUIG Law Faculty - Annual Distinguished Lecture, Galway, Friday 23 March; Call for action - and assistance - on FLAC campaign to restore Universal Child Benefit.

    Attached files:
    Leaflet on campaign to restore Child Benefit as universal payment

  • PILN Bulletin - 7 March 2007

    In this issue:
    Dave Ellis: Obituary (from Irish Times, Saturday 17 Feb 2007); Radio tribute to Dave Ellis, NearFM, 11 March 2007; Equality Studies Centre UCD - Public Lecture on 'Equality and the Contemporary Critique of Human Rights', 12 March 2007; Amnesty International Conference on Human Rights Based Approaches, 20 April 2007; Court rules Legal Aid Board can inspect files; Text of Children's referendum published; Call for action - and assistance - on FLAC campaign to restore Universal Child Benefit.

    Attached files:

    1. Letter to TDs re campaign to restore universal Child Benefit.