Arklow-based Deirdre Burke has been practising as a solicitor since 1999, specialising in family law. She is also the co-founder of the Guardian Project, a non-profit organisation that helps children and young people experiencing parental separation and bereavement. The project offers counselling services for children and young adults aged from five to 21, family law mediation, parenting courses, supervised access (if requested) and contact facilities.

In the April 2016 Gazette, Deirdre shares varied experiences, from her move into the profession after qualifying as a barrister to the moment when she realised that families need far greater emotional support and information at difficult times. She also talks about how the current court system has in fostering “adversarial attitudes” within families, and how better models could make these difficult cases less traumatic. “Technically, we are complying with all of our UN obligations, but we have yet to resource the will to change. If you resource a system that reduces conflict, then ultimately you will make a saving in the long run,” she explains.

You can find out more about Deirdre, and her priorities as a candidate for the Seanad, in the April 2016 Gazette.

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