The Bar of Ireland Podcasts

Host Michael O'Connor SC is joined by Fiona McAuslan, Director of Family Mediation at the Legal Aid Board and, barrister Denise Waldron BL to discuss the evolution of family mediation in Ireland, the growing role of alternative dispute resolution, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Thinking about setting up a charity but unsure where to start? In this episode of the VAS Podcast, Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL is joined by Sean O’Sullivan BL and Claire Colfer, Senior Associate, Charities and Not-for-Profit at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP to break down the essentials. From understanding what legally defines a charity under the Charities Act 2009 to navigating registration requirements, governance structures, and common pitfalls, this episode is a comprehensive guide for anyone exploring the non-profit space. Key topics include: What qualifies as a charity (and what doesn’t) The difference between non-profits and registered charities Trustee responsibilities and legal obligations The charity registration process step-by-step Practical advice for getting started and avoiding delays Whether you’re launching a new initiative or supporting an existing organisation, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you build a strong foundation. Important note: This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should seek independent legal advice in relation to their specific circumstances.

Is “smash and grab” dead in Irish construction law? The High Court has spoken. In this episode of the Construction Bar Association’s podcast, James Burke SC and Jonathan Fitzgerald BL break down the landmark Tender Bids (No. 2) decision and what it means for adjudication, fair procedures, and the future of payment disputes. They explain how Tender Bids (No. 1)—the first High Court decision involving Tender Bids Ltd and the employer—refused enforcement of an adjudicator’s decision on jurisdictional grounds, before turning to the much‑anticipated Tender Bids (No. 2) ruling. Delivered by Mr Justice Simons in January 2026, Tender Bids (No. 2) directly addressed whether an adjudicator can make a default (“smash and grab”) payment award where a payment claim notice was not responded to within 21 days. Mr Justice Simons has now clarified in Tenderbids Limited t/a Bastion v Electrical Waste Management [2026] IEHC 5 that no such default entitlement exists. “Smash and grab” adjudications—familiar under the equivalent UK legislation—are not a feature of the Construction Contracts Act 2013. The episode explains why default payment claims no longer exist under Irish construction law and what practitioners must do next.

In Part Three of this joint series between Community Law & Mediation and the Voluntary Assistance Scheme of The Bar of Ireland, co‑hosts Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL and Aoife Kelly Desmond explore how we can meet new areas of need such as children’s law and environmental justice, the role of community law centres in a new civil legal aid system and how we can make sure community law is a career pathway for young practitioners. Our guests this week are Éamonn Conlon SC, Chair of Community Law and Mediation and Claire McSweeney, Manager of Ballymun Community Law Centre. For more on CLM, visit communitylawandmediation.ie/ For more on The Bar of Ireland Voluntary Assistance Scheme visit: lawlibrary.ie/vas

In Part Two of this joint series between Community Law & Mediation and the Voluntary Assistance Scheme of The Bar of Ireland, co‑hosts Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL and Aoife Kelly Desmond explore how community law operates where it matters most: on the ground, alongside the people directly affected by access to justice issues. Featuring contributions from Alan D.P. Brady SC and Jane O’Sullivan, Managing Solicitor at CLM, this episode looks at the real practice of community‑based legal work, including its cases, its challenges, and its impact. From campaigns shaped by frontline experience to the role of outreach, the conversation uncovers how independent law centres drive systemic change while supporting individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks. For more on CLM, visit communitylawandmediation.ie/ For more on The Bar of Ireland Voluntary Assistance Scheme visit: lawlibrary.ie/vas