Rent Supplement for Victims of Domestic Violence
On 14 June 2020, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced measures to make Rent Supplement more readily available to victims of domestic violence. The Rent Supplement Scheme is a means-tested welfare subsidy for those in private rented accommodation who cannot afford to pay rent due to a substantial change in circumstance. Under […]
MLRC client given access to social housing list after many years of battling
Having battled with the council for many years to access the housing list, one of our clients last week was delighted and relieved to finally be approved for social housing support. This lady had bought a council house which she subsequently sold many years ago. The council agreed to the sale because at the time […]
MLRC supporting homeless families facing healthcare crisis in times of Covid-19
In the last few days, MLRC has supported two vulnerable families to move from overcrowded and highly unsuitable B&B accommodation, into self-contained houses where they can properly self-isolate and live in security and dignity with their young children. MLRC has been working with these families for several months, addressing several obstacles they had previously faced […]
MLRC intensifies its service provision during Covid-19
Since the onset of Covid-19 in Ireland, MLRC has intensified its provision of essential services including our legal advice outreach and legal representation, adapting how we work in light of the current health crisis. All MLRC staff are working on a remote basis in line with public health advice. Our legal service has adapted to […]
MLRC welcomes draft emergency legislation but highlights gaps in protection for certain groups
MLRC welcomes emergency draft legislation published early today, which imposes restrictions on evictions of tenants in private rented accommodation and prevents rent increases during this emergency period. These emergency measures are required to provide stability and security for tenants at this uncertain time. MLRC here provides comments with respect of the draft legislation. While the […]
Caselaw update: Two important decisions consider the scope of the social housing assessment
The Irish Courts handed down two helpful and interesting decisions late last year. In the first case the Supreme Court recognised the makeup of modern families which it said the local authority needs to take into account and must assess each case individually on its fact. In the second case, the High Court considered the […]
MLRC is referenced in report presented to UN on family homelessness
In February, for the first time in the history of the United Nations, at the 58th Commission for Social Development, homelessness was discussed as part of the priority theme ‘Affordable Housing and Social Protection Systems for all to Address Homelessness’. The meetings began Feb 10th and concluded on Feb 19th. Advocating for Women and Children/Girls […]
“It is truly inspiring to see them work” – Carmen shares her experience of work placement with Mercy Law Resource Centre
I am currently undertaking a Legal Secretary Course in Rathmines College Of Further Education. My course requires me to have at least 2 weeks of work experience in an office. I always wanted to do my work experience with a law firm as that’s the path I would like to take. Last year I did […]
Transition Year Work Experience with Mercy Law Resource Centre
As a part of Transition Year, I did work experience with MLRC. I was in MLRC from the 3rd to the 6th of February. On the first day, I was shown around the offices and introduced to the staff team. I then sat down with the Managing Solicitor, Rebecca Keatinge and was provided with some […]
Significant decision on rights of the Traveller community
A recent decision of the UK Court of Appeal examines the right to a nomadic lifestyle of the Gypsy and Traveller community, and provides helpful guidance on the circumstances in which interference within that right may be proportionate and therefore lawful. It also elucidates on the importance of legal representation of the Gypsy and Traveller […]
