Letter from the Editor by Matthew O’Shea and Síofra Carlin

Letter from the Editor

A chairde,

I am so excited to collaborate with Trinity FLAC for our second Issue of the year. It feels as though we have just settled into the first semester, and it has already come to a close. In this light, I feel it is important to reflect on some broader issues. For this Issue, we have chosen to focus on Access to Justice, as in today’s fast paced society, it is important that we do not lose sight of the struggles undertaken by our fellow humans around the world.

The past few years have brought into focus the importance of access to justice. From political movements to the climate crisis, and so much more in between, it is clear that we still have a long way to go in ensuring a just society for all.

This Issue, we are delighted to publish pieces highlighting a number of fundamental areas of access to justice, including pieces with an Irish as well as an international focus, covering environmental law, matters of human rights, and more. In addition, this Issue features the Irish language with pieces considering language rights in Ireland. This is a first for The Eagle, and I certainly hope that it is not a last. As Editor in Chief, I am so proud to facilitate the inclusion of our beautiful language in the Gazette.

As always, I want to recognise the extraordinary work being done consistently by our wonderful team. Kat, Ellen, Zoe, and the rest of the editorial board have all made my job incredibly easy through their consistent hard work and eager enthusiasm. I am so proud to be a part of this team, from whom I learn more every day.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support of The Eagle. Our name sponsor, The Maples Group, has continued its generous support and guidance, and has made compiling this issue a joy. For this issue, we would also like to thank Allen & Overy LLP, Cleary Gottlieb, and Trinity Publications for their help in bringing it to the physical form. It has been 2 years since The Eagle was last in print, and I am delighted to facilitate its return to our hands.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Síofra Carlin and the fantastic team at Trinity FLAC for their help in putting this issue together. Their insights have been invaluable. It is no surprise why their society is so regularly recognised as one of the best our University has to offer.

I can’t wait for what else is yet to come for The Eagle this year. We have already published a great deal of pieces highlighting so many important issues. Recently, we were invited to the inaugural Irish Student Law Journal Conference, where we got to meet with other student-run legal publications in Ireland, and share insights about legal writing with each other. We are constantly improving, and look forward to the coming semester, and the remaining issues of Volume 8.

To our readers, I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this Issue as much as I did.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Matthew O’Shea Editor in Chief The Eagle: Trinity College Law Gazette

It has become increasingly clear that access to justice remains a complex challenge in Ireland. The State’s austerely limited position with regards to breaking down the barriers to justice is prevalent through the resoundingly feeble scheme of civil legal aid. Access to justice is a fundamental human right and thus, the funding of our justice system at all levels is essential. In a conference about access to justice, the Chief Justice asserted that Ireland is at or near the bottom of the table for spending on justice, when compared with other countries with similar legal systems. Therefore, the work of the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) is crucial.

FLAC was set up in 1969 by David Byrne, Denis McCullough, Vivian Lavan and Ian Candy after they attended a conference on legal aid in Trinity College Dublin. Their aims were to encourage the State to establish a comprehensive civil legal aid scheme; to provide legal advice to those who could not afford the relevant legal fees; and to advance education among law students by encouraging them to engage with legal support for marginalised and disadvantaged communities. FLAC’s overall aim is to promote equal access to justice for everyone as an independent voluntary organisation. Not only have they greatly impacted the course of the provisions of civil legal aid but FLAC has also made a significant contribution to the legal education of law students through the FLAC branches in law schools.

Trinity FLAC was first established in 1986/87 and was officially recognised as a society in Trinity College Dublin in 1990/91. Since its establishment, it has provided free legal advice to students through weekly legal advice clinics but has also encouraged students to engage with social justice issues. The society has constantly excelled itself when pushing for social change through weekly social justice events, pro-bono legal research projects, moot court competitions, and fundraising initiatives. Trinity FLAC address a range of social reform issues which vary from maternity rights and tenants rights to immigration law and disability rights. They have liaised and collaborated with organisations such as the National Disability Authority, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Threshold, Anti-Slavery International and more.

Therefore, Trinity FLAC enables students to address different areas of law that are in need of reform which consequently expands and progresses legal education, awareness and information. Principally, Trinity FLAC works to break down the barriers to access to justice.

Currently, there are 66 FLAC legal advice centres in Ireland with almost 600 voluntary lawyers. FLAC continues to campaign for greater access to justice for all as equal access reflects a nation that is diverse, accessible and inclusive.

Trinity FLAC are proud to be part of this issue of The Eagle as it not only encapsulates the issues we work to combat everyday but it further our aims of promoting these issues among law students. The barriers to access to justice remain as obstacles to those advancing public interest and achieving social justice and therefore, Trinity FLAC would like to thank all contributors to this Issue in advocating for reform through their legal research.

Kind regards,

Síofra Carlin Chairperson Trinity FLAC