VAS Annual Conference: Using Voluntary Work to Make Change Happen
Event Schedule:
1pm - 1.45pm:
Lunch and Registration
1.45pm:
Welcome Remarks: Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL, VAS Coordinator
2pm:
Protests & The Media: Protecting Freedom of Expression
Moderator: The Hon. Ms. Justice Sara Phelan
Panellists:
Catherine Donnelly SC, The Bar of Ireland
Darragh Mackin, Partner at Phoenix Law Solicitors
Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer at ICCL
Alannah Uí Gheargáin, Legal Observer
This panel discussion will focus on the increased repression of journalistic freedom and incursions into the right to protest both at a domestic and international level. Panellists will discuss legislative changes here and in the UK, criminalising voluntary organisations and encroaching on the right to protest, as well as similar domestic law proposals. They will also discuss freedom of expression insofar as it pertains to journalists and the media more generally.
3pm: Tea & Coffee Break
3.20pm - 4.20pm: Legislative Drafting & Lobbying
Moderator: The Hon. Ms Justice Emily Egan
Panellists:
Lorcan Staines SC
Diane Duggan BL, Head of Legal at the Electoral Commission
Martin Collins, Co-Director at Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre
This panel discussion will look at the various stages involved in introducing new legislation, from NGO's identifying gaps in the law and engaging appropriate counsel, to the practical considerations for practitioners drafting proposals, to lobbying for the introduction of legislation and the processes which take place in-house in order to make draft proposals law.
4.20pm: Keynote Speech
Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC - Killing the Story: New Tactics to Silence Journalists
5pm: Drinks and Canapés in The Sheds
This event is open to all, and in-person only.
There will be 3 CPD Points available for this event.
Accessibility Requirements: At the Bar of Ireland we wish for our events to be as welcoming, accessible and inclusive for all. Please provide us if comfortable with any accessibility related considerations so that we can endeavour to ensure a barrier free experience during the event. Email events@lawlibrary.ie to discuss your needs.
Tickets
Additional Information
The Bar of Ireland recognises that in order for any legal system to operate at its optimum level, access must be available to all. Vulnerable sections of society often encounter difficulties in accessing the legal system. While there are State-run initiatives aimed at reducing such difficulties, these are insufficient, and The Bar of Ireland strives to do what it can to address this. Established in 2004, the Voluntary Assistance Scheme (VAS) is the pro bono scheme of The Bar of Ireland. For further information, please visit here.