On 14 November FLAC and Irish language advocacy group Conradh na Gaeilge announced a national legal advice service through the Irish language, during the launch of an Irish version of FLAC’s information leaflet on Wills & Intestacy. Conradh na Gaeilge translated the leaflet, which is one of FLAC’s most popular downloads. Uachtanna agus Díthiomnacht is available free of charge from Irish-language free legal advice clinics and online, and is the first in a series of FLAC leaflets that Conradh na Gaeilge hopes to provide in Irish.
An tSeirbhís Saor-Chomhairle Dlí Náisiúnta, the Irish-language free legal advice service, is co-ordinated nationwide by Conradh na Gaeilge in association with its legal branch, Craobh na gCeithre Cúirteanna, and FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres). Conradh na Gaeilge operates a monthly legal advice clinic in Irish in Belfast, and free legal advice services are now available through Irish by appointment in FLAC centres in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, and Galway every month as well. Conradh na Gaeilge operates a further Irish language legal advice clinic in Belfast.
FLAC Chief Executive Eilis Barry welcomed the development, saying that “[a]s an independent human rights organisation committed to increasing access to justice for all in Ireland, FLAC is delighted to be part of an initiative that is enhancing people’s ability to engage with the law. We see this leaflet and Irish-language service, An tSeirbhís Saor-Chomhairle Dlí Náisiúnta, as an important step from all involved towards improving access to justice and realising rights.”
Cóilín Ó Cearbhaill, President of Conradh na Gaeilge said the organisation was committed to facilitating access to justice through Irish, so that “Irish speakers across Ireland can exercise their right to access justice through the Irish language, starting with a free legal consultation through Irish with a FLAC volunteer lawyer.”
Hundreds of lawyers volunteer their time in evening advice clinics across the country to provide basic, free legal information and advice to members of the public. Zsé Varga, FLAC Volunteer & Centres Manager, said that “FLAC appreciates and acknowledges the commitment of the volunteer lawyers who are providing this important service to the Irish-speaking community across Ireland.”