MLRC is delighted to welcome Aoife Gillespie as our new volunteer solicitor and colleague
Mercy Law Resource Centre is delighted to welcome Aoife to our team of solicitors. Aoife will be working with Mercy
Mercy Law Resource Centre is delighted to welcome Aoife to our team of solicitors. Aoife will be working with Mercy
On Wednesday 12th June Mercy Law Resource Centre presented to members of the Joint Committee on Housing, Planning and
Mercy Law Resource Centre is delighted to welcome Paul to our team of solicitors this week. Paul is a solicitor
Professor Gerry Whyte, Associate Professor, School of Law, Trinity College Dublin, and Director on the MLRC Board of Directors, will deliver
Mercy Law Resource Centre is currently remodelling our volunteer befriender programme and are now looking to recruit a Volunteer Befriender
On 18th April 2019, Mercy Law Resource Centre (MLRC) in partnership with A&L Goodbody, Focus Ireland and the Public Interest Law
We are delighted to have linked in with several new organisations in recent months and to be able to extend
Mercy Law Resource Centre (MLRC) is an independent law centre and charity which provides free legal advice and representation to
On the 30th of January, Managing Solicitor of MLRC, Rebecca Keatinge presented at ‘Securing the Right to Housing’ Conference which was organised by
We had an exceptionally busy year in 2018 and during the year we saw an increase on the number of
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Our Christmas reading included this recently published report by the Joint Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government, that examines the operation
On 12 December, Mercy Law Resource Centre were honoured to have Father Peter McVerry speak at our Christmas event. At
On 19th November, 2018, Justice Barrett handed down a decision in Fagan & Ors v Dublin City Council. The case concerned a father,
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
Mercy Law Resource Centre is delighted to announce solicitor David Joyce’s appointment to the Traveller Accommodation Expert Working Group. The
MLRC are delighted to welcome Sabrina Sullivan to the team as locum solicitor. Sabrina has wide-ranging experience on housing and
We are most concerned to see vulnerable families still being placed on night to night provision of homeless accommodation. We
Mercy Law Resource Centre Open Housing Law Training MLRC is delighted to announce that we will be running an open
MLRC is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Managing Solicitor, Ms Rebecca Keatinge. Rebecca was previously a Solicitor
You can read the report here. You can also see some photos of our launch event below
MLRC Second Right to Housing Report: The Right to Housing in Comparative Perspective
Mercy Law Resource Centre cordially invites you to the Launch of the Mercy Law Resource Centre Second Right to
Mercy Law Resource Centre Open Housing Law Training MLRC is delighted to announce that we will be running an open
Please note that there are no longer spaces available for this course. Due to high demand, MLRC are running another
You can read the report here.
We have met several new clients at our legal advice clinics in recent months who report a concern that their
Recent figures released by the Central Statistics Office and Focus Ireland give rise to serious concern over the scale of
We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our interns for their real and practical contribution
MLRC is delighted to welcome David Joyce as our new solicitor and colleague. David has been working with MLRC since
Mercy Law Resource Centre is delighted to welcome Conor Casey, Yale Bernstein Fellow, to Mercy Law Resource Centre. Conor previously
In July, MLRC held five open training sessions covering social welfare law issues, attended by individuals, barristers, solicitors, and staff
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
On July 31st, solicitors from the Mercy Law Resource Centre attended the launch of FLAC’s Annual Report 2016. Introduced by Minister
Mercy Law Resource Centre cordially invites you to the launch of Mercy Law Resource Centre 2016 Annual Report To be
We recently assisted our client, who is a separated father with overnight access to his four children, in securing a
“The right to housing in our constitution would be a positive, strong step for the future to create fundamental protection
On Friday June 30th Mercy Law were delighted to attend the Equality and Rights Alliance’s (ERA) seminar ‘A New Roadmap
On 30th of June, 2017, MLRC sent a submission to the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to
You can read the eZine here.
In July, Professor Gerry Whyte, Associate Professor, School of Law, Trinity College Dublin, and Director on the MLRC Board of
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
In May, Mercy Law Resource Centre was delighted to attend the launch of the Ombudsman for Children’s 2016 Annual Report.
MLRC is now recruiting a Locum Solicitor. This is a unique opportunity to practice in public interest and human rights
We have recently been working on several cases where families have been recognised as homeless by the housing authority and
Securing suitable emergency accommodation for pregnant mother and her family MLRC recently worked with a family who had been placed
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
Mercy Law Resource Centre is a member of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Initiative (ESCRI). ESCRI is a coalition
You can read the eZine here.
On 7 April 2016, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), often known as voluntary housing associations, were brought under the remit of
We had an exceptionally busy year in 2016 and during the year saw a very big increase in the number
We recently acted for a family who were refused emergency accommodation by a Council on the basis, the Council said,
You can read the eZine here.
We recently assisted a client to access the housing list after 18 months of being homeless. Our client had been
This is a unique opportunity to be part of the team working in public interest and human rights law to
We have been dealing with several cases recently where clients have been refused access to the housing list on the
In September, MLRC was delighted to welcome Sarah Burns, who worked with us as part of her Clinical Legal Education
You can read the report here.
In July, MLRC held a two day training session in Social Welfare Law for staff of Focus Ireland, which was
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
MLRC is delighted to welcome Kate Heffernan as intern in July/August 2016. Kate is going into her final year of
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law and related social welfare law to those working in
Mercy Law Resource Centre is calling for the protection of the right to housing in the Constitution. The right to
We welcome the publication by Mr Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, of “Rebuilding Ireland
Following the launch of the MLRC report on the Right to Housing on 4th May 2016, MLRC was invited to
Paul Sweeney, Helena O'Donoghue, Judge Catherine McGuinness, Maeve Regan On 4 May, MLRC launched its Report on the
In May and June, Professor Gerry Whyte, Associate Professor, School of Law, Trinity College Dublin, and Director on the MLRC
Our client, we shall call him, Joe, came to Mercy Law Resource Centre as he was destitute and literally sitting
Chair of the Board of Directors Sr Helena O'Donoghue, John Curran TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing
In our news blog of 26 April, we noted that we have had a worrying increase over these summer months
On 7 April 2016, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), often known as voluntary housing associations, were brought under the remit of
Mary Hastings MLRC was delighted to welcome Mary Hastings as intern in May 2016. Mary is a Law
You can read the eZine here.
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
Mercy Law Resource Centre cordially invites you to the Launch of the Mercy Law Resource Centre 2015 Annual Report The
On 29 June, MLRC’s 2015 Annual Report was formally launched by John Curran TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on
On foot of the launch of the Right to Housing report, MLRC were invited by the Oireachtas Committee on Housing
On 4 May, MLRC launched its Report on the Right to Housing in Ireland. Judge Catherine McGuinness formally launched the
Presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing & Homelessness On foot of the launch of MLRC's Right to Housing report,
Minister's report Rebuilding Ireland_Action Plan for Housing Homelessness Final Report Housing & Homelessness Committee (Oireachtas) Mercy Law Resource Centre submission
An Open Letter to the Government from the ESCRI - Taoiseach Enda Kenny View An Open Letter to the Government from
MLRC is holding a course in social welfare law, which will be delivered by Professor Gerry Whyte, Associate Professor School
MLRC’s written submissions for the UPR As noted in a previous blog post before Christmas, the UN Universal Periodic Review
On Wednesday, 4 May at 11.30am, in Buswells Hotel, Molesworth Street, MLRC will be launching its Report on the Right
We have had a worrying increase in recent weeks of very urgent queries into our office from homeless families, often
MLRC is delighted to welcome Sinead Kerin as our new solicitor and colleague! Sinead who has been working with MLRC
Thank you to everyone who came to the third annual April Fools Comedy Gala on 13 April in the Sugar
You can read the presentation here.
You can read the statement here.
Massive thank you to everyone who supported our April Fools Comedy Gala! Thank you to everyone who came to the
We are pleased to report a recent success on a social welfare matter, where we compelled an expedited decision from
Mercy Law Resource Centre is proud to present the third annual April Fools Comedy Gala on Wednesday 13 April 2016
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
You can read the eZine here.
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations and individuals working in the field of
The new procedure for eviction from housing authority accommodation was brought into effect on 13 April 2015. This procedure is
Read the latest news from MLRC, including successful outcomes for clients, Frequently Asked Questions on social housing and related social
In May 2015, Ireland will be reviewed by the UN High Commission for Human Rights as to its compliance with
Our client was married and lives with her children in a council house. The marriage irrevocably broke down as her
Case study 1 Our client was evicted from his property after three years of privately renting there. He was evicted
You can read the policy submission here.
You can read the policy submission here.
You can read the policy submission here.
1. I cannot afford to buy my own home – what are my options? Local authorities provide social housing support
You can read the eZine here.
You can read the report here.
MLRC is delighted to welcome Aisling Murray, who will be working with us this September as part of the TCD
MLRC is delighted to welcome Fergal McConnon to the MLRC team. Fergal is a final year law student at Trinity
‘The right to housing would help those who are facing homelessness now and would be a fundamental safeguard against the
There is no right to housing in Irish law. The crisis in homelessness has shown up the glaring lack of
MLRC is delighted to welcome Clara Dorman, as intern with MLRC for the month of August 2015. Clara is going
Read the latest news from MLRC, including successful outcomes for clients, updates on our policy work, details on our training
MLRC is delighted to welcome Dáire McCormack George, as intern with MLRC from mid-July to mid-August. Dáire is a Scholar
On 7 May 2015, MLRC welcomed Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, to launch MLRC’s 2014 Annual Report. Also speaking
Our client presented to us as she was in emergency accommodation with her children having been evicted in March 2014
Our client presented to us as she was suspended from social housing support as she was evicted from her Council
MLRC has been acting for a family in a case involving disturbing anti-social behaviour and persistent racist abuse. It was
You can read the eZine here.
On 7 May 2015, MLRC welcomed Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, to launch MLRC’s 2014 Annual Report. Also
MLRC has held a a series of six comprehensive training workshops in Social Welfare Law, delivered by Professor Gerry Whyte,
Our client presented with a challenging situation where he was a former Council tenant with his estranged wife who continues
MLRC is delighted to welcome Conor Casey, who will be working with us until July. Conor is a recent graduate
MLRC is delighted to welcome Sinead Kerin as our locum solicitor and colleague. Sinead is a Solicitor with extensive experience
Mercy Law Resource Centre would like to thank the TCD Law Society for choosing MLRC as their 2015 Charity for
MLRC is now recruiting a Locum Solicitor. This is a unique opportunity to practice in public interest and human rights
Thank you to everyone who came to the second annual April Fools Comedy Gala on 1 April in the Sugar
You can read the eZine here.
Thank you to everyone who supported The April Fools Day Comedy Gala in aid of MLRC! Thank you to everyone
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations working in the field of homelessness. On
MLRC is delighted to welcome Rebecca Keatinge as our new solicitor and colleague. Rebecca is a solicitor with extensive experience
MLRC’s Befriending service is a unique service that is central to our work in helping those who are homeless or
MLRC were delighted to host another Christmas event, which gave us an opportunity in an informal way to thank friends,
You can read the eZine here.
Open letter to the Tánaiste, calling on the Government, as part of the Economic Social and Cultural Rights Initiative, to
Open letter to the Taoiseach, calling on the Government, as part of the Economic Social and Cultural Rights Initiative, to
25 years ago Ireland ratified the International Covenant of Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). On Sunday 7 December, MLRC,
MLRC were delighted to host another Christmas event, which gave us an opportunity in an informal way to thank friends,
This is a unique opportunity to practice in public interest and human rights law to help those at the margins
Our clients and their key-worker presented at our office having had difficulties with the local authority in not allocating them
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations working in the field of homelessness. On
You can read the eZine here.
As part of our organisational training, on 14th October 2014, MLRC held a training session in housing law and related
“52 weeks rule” frequently incorrectly applied by local authorities This decision is important as MLRC is aware, through clients and
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations whose clients are homeless or at risk
Repairs carried out after long delays after MLRC submissions and intervention; local authority repairs other local authority residents’ properties in
MLRC recently assisted a family with their application for medical priority with their local authority. Our client’s daughter has severe
A separated husband with an interest in the family home, Council issues housing needs assessment letter enabling him access to
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations working in the field of homelessness. On
On 31 March the Constitutional Convention recommended to the Government, by an overwhelming majority of 85%, that ESC rights be
This new scheme is a very significant change to the system of social housing support – recipients of HAP are
You can read the report here.
On Wednesday 11 June 2014, MLRC welcomed Minister Jan O’Sullivan, Minister of State, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government,
Launch of MLRC’s 2013 Annual Report, by Minister Jan O’Sullivan, on 11 June 2014 On Wednesday 11 June 2014, MLRC welcomed
On Wednesday 11 June 2014, MLRC will be welcoming Minister Jan O’Sullivan, Minister of State, Department of Environment, Community and
As part of MLRC’s work, we provide training in housing law to organisations working in the field of homelessness. On
Thank you to everyone who came to the April Fools Comedy Gala on 1 April in the Sugar Club! You
Thank you to those who have kindly bought tickets to the Gala. Your support is greatly appreciated. Your support helps
You can read the eZine here.
Mercy Law Resource Centre presented our first Comedy Gala fundraiser on Tuesday 1 April 2014 in the Sugar Club, Leeson
Mercy Law Resource Centre is proud to present The April Fools’ Day Comedy Gala on Tuesday 1 April 2014 in
MLRC is delighted to welcome Mary Ann Sullivan, who will be working with us until April on a placement with
Mercy Law Resource Centre will be holding a Comedy Gala on Tuesday 1 April 2014 in the Sugar Club, Leeson
On Sunday, 23 February the Constitutional Convention voted overwhelmingly in favour of amending the Constitution to strengthen the protection of
This weekend, 22 and 23 February, the Constitutional Convention is meeting to consider whether to recommend to the Government that
MLRC thanks our Befrienders and Maeve Hurley and Evanna Lyons of “Ag Eisteacht” for supporting our Befriending Service at an
MLRC has recently assisted a client obtain a housing need for assistance letter from a local authority. This letter enabled
MLRC thanks our Befrienders and Maeve Hurley and Evanna Lyons of “Ag Eisteacht” for supporting our Befriending Service at an
MLRC is delighted to welcome Bláithín Ní Chróinín, trainee solicitor, to our offices here at 25 Cork Street. Bláithín is
Mercy Law Resource Centre successfully resolved a case with a local authority on behalf of a client who found herself
You can read the eZine here.
You can read the policy submission here.
MLRC welcomes the recent decision of the Equality Tribunal, that rent supplement policy must not discriminate against unmarried or separated
High Court quashes local authority decision not to transfer MLRC’s client to other local authority accommodation based on “exceptional social
MLRC is delighted to welcome Sarah Jenkinson, trainee solicitor, to our offices here at 25 Cork Street. Sarah is a
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) is encouraging members of the public to contact them if they are concerned about
Mercy Law Resource Centre is an Independent Law Centre which provides a quality and holistic service to people who are
You can read the eZine here.
You can read the report here.
Mercy Law Resource Centre recently helped a client to be placed on a local authority housing list and obtain a
Maeve Regan MLRC is delighted to welcome Maeve Regan as the new Solicitor-in-Charge, taking over from Rose Wall.
Child benefit is a payment made to the parents of children under 16 or children under 18 if they are
On Monday 22 July, the national housing charity, Threshold, released details of a report into the occurrence of illegal deposit
Local authorities look set to assume further responsibility in the realm of housing support if Government plans for reform of
Mercy Law Resource Centre successfully settled a case with a local authority on behalf of a client with three children
MLRC wishes to acknowledge and thank Mason Hayes & Curran for their kind donation of €25,000. MHC has helped fund
Mercy Law Resource Centre has already signed up to the One Percent Difference Campaign, joining some 530 other charities! The
You can read the eZine here.
Zatreanu & ors v Dublin City Council [2013] IEHC 556 On 4 December 2013, Hedigan J gave judgment in the High
MLRC welcomes the increase in the new limit of Rent Supplement set by the Department of Social Protection. This increase
MLRC is delighted to accept and acknowledges the kind donation of €12,000 from St. Stephen’s Green Trust. This is the
Mercy Law Resource Centre is concerned with new figures from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive showing a deepening problem of
Our client is the father of a three-year old girl and two boys aged six and eight. He is living
Mercy Law Resource Centre wishes Rose Wall, who was our Solicitor in Charge, all the very best as she starts
Mercy Law Resource Centre supports Threshold’s call for a statutory code of conduct regarding the treatment of tenants in buy-to-let
Mercy Law Resource Centre supports the Irish Immigration Support Centre’s call for: 1) The training of frontline social welfare staff
Homelessness due to relationship breakdown or domestic violence Many of MLRC’s clients are homeless as a result of having to
MLRC calls on Government to ring fence funding for homeless services The Dublin Homeless Network, which represents 23 charities, has
Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 – An Update Mercy Law Resource Centre (MLRC) submitted its views on the Criminal
MLRC is delighted to welcome two new personnel on board: Shauna Curran as a new part-time administrator taking the place
Read another example of the successful work carried out by the Mercy Law Resource Centre. Case study One of our
Since MLRC’s inception in 2009, we have provided advice and representation to 1,573 clients. In 2010, 2011 & 2012, MLRC
You can read the eZine here.
forgiven, not forgotten? The proposal to introduce ‘spent’ convictions for those convicted of minor criminal offences is overl restrictive, argues
Mercy Law Resource Centre (MLRC) welcomes the Homelessness Policy Statement launched on the 21st of February 2013 by Housing Minister,
Mercy Law Resource Centre recently acted for a mother of two young children who had been requested by the Local
Blog, 17 January 2013 MLRC Submission on Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 Mercy Law Resource Centre (MLRC) has
You can read the eZine here.
Christmas Gathering at Mercy Law Resource Centre on Friday, 14th December 2012 MLRC were delighted to invite friends, volunteers, funders, organisations
EMPLOYMENT APPEALS TRIBUNAL CASE NO. UD 1165/2011 CATHERINE MANGAN (CLAIMANT) V CLONTARF CRECHE LIMITED (RESPONDENTS) Unfair Dismissals Acts,
You can read the policy submission here.
You can read the policy submission here.
You can read the policy submission here.
Brian Barry, PhD Candidate, Trinity College Dublin and Trainee Solicitor with Mason Hayes & Curran worked with MLRC as an intern
Mercy Law Resource Centre held its Annual General Meeting on 22nd November 2012. The Board adopted the Financial Accounts for the
MLRC were delighted to invite friends, volunteers, funders, organisations and agencies working in partnership with Mercy Law Resource Centre to
During the course of our work, offering legal advice to individuals who have found themselves in difficulties, we are seeing
Judgment Title: Kinsella -v- Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Neutral Citation: 2012 IEHC 344 High Court Record Number: 2012 62
MLRC is delighted to welcome a number of new staff and volunteers to our team. Sabrina Comerford solicitor has recently
Here are details of some of our current cases. Many of us have traditionally been of the view that homelessness
The Supreme Court has ruled in Donegan v DCC & Gallagher v DCC that section 62 of the Housing Act
High Court Judicial Review Kinsella – v – Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council Neutral Citation: 2012 IEHC 344 HIGH COURT JUDICIAL
You can read the report here.
MLRC has New Offices MLRC has been resident in the Sophia Housing complex on Cork Street since our inception in
Bjedov v Croatia - is the European Court of Human Rights moving towards providing a substantive right to a home?
Abstract: This article is an exposition of the work of the Mercy Law Resource Centre, a Dublin law centre that
MLRC has, together with other members of a Housing Policy Group, prepared a Housing Information Booklet "Social Housing Rights Explained"
Measuring the extent of homelessness is difficult by its very nature because people who are homeless move frequently. As of
Mercy Law Resource is a member of a housing group which also comprises Ballymun Community Law Centre, Barnardos, Community Action
New Mediation Bill to Expand the Use of Mediation in Civil Disputes The Minister for Justice and Equality recently published
Bjedov v Croatia – is the European Court of Human Rights moving towards providing a substantive right to a home?
You can read the eZine here.
Children's Law Centre to Open in Ireland MLRC welcomes the establishment of an independent Law Centre for Children and young
MLRC Befriending Programme The Befriending programme is an invaluable asset to MLRC as we recognise that the legal system can be
MLRC has surpassed the 1,000 mark of advice & representation to clients This week sees the number of clients that
Housing Booklet receives positive response MLRC and the informal housing Group have received many positive comments in relation to the
The Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy, in NUI Galway held a conference entitled “Key Contemporary Housing Issues in
Housing Group booklet aims to reduce rick of eviction. Read Full Article
Work permit success for Romanian and Bulgarian nationals Romanian and Bulgarian parents of Irish citizen children have been granted access
Housing Group launched Booklet on 18th April 2012 MLRC has, together with other members of a Housing Policy Group, prepared
Welcome to our first MLRC Blog, we will endeavour over the weeks ahead to keep you informed of all that
You can read the policy submission here.
You can read the policy submission here.
You can read the policy submission here.
You can read the report here.
Right to housing still subject to political will. Until the commitments set down in the homeless strategy are placed on
You can read the policy submission here.
You can read the policy submission here.
Policy submission on NAMA You can read the policy submission here.
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2010 proposes restricting the activity of begging. Rose Wall and Michele O’Kelly argue that