The legal implications of the public sector duty in Irish law is the theme of this year’s Free Legal Advice Centre conference.

To be held at the Morrison Hotel on Dublin’s Lower Ormond Quay on Friday 19 October 2018, the event will be chaired by broadcaster and journalist Vincent Browne (pictured above).

Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014 requires a wide range of public bodies to have regard to non-discrimination, equality of opportunity and human rights in the delivery of their functions, and now mainstreams human rights and equality across the public sector.

The aim of the conference is to enhance the awareness and understanding of the public sector duty amongst lawyers, NGOs, trade unions and the public sector. 

The speakers are as follows:

• Colm O’Cinneide BL, Professor of Constitutional and Human Rights Law at University College London 
• Aileen McColgan BL, Professor of Human Rights Law at King's College London. Barrister at 11KBW
• Rainer Hiltunen, Head of Office, Office of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, Finland 
• David Fennelly BL, Assistant Professor, Trinity Law School, Dublin
• Deirdre Twomey, Public Sector Duty Manager, IHREC
• Koldo Casla, Policy Director, Just Fair
• Eilis Barry, Chief Executive, FLAC

A panel discussion will be chaired by Laurence Bond, IHREC director. Speakers will be joined by Damien Walshe of the Centre for Independent Living Ireland, Niall Crowley who is an independent equality expert, Professor Donncha O’Connell of NUIG and Sinead Lucey of FLAC.

The event is free and qualifies for four CPD points but pre-registration is essential.

Register by emailing caroline.smith@flac.ie or by phoning 01 887 3600.