Solicitors brief Mayo Community Platform on tackling social exclusion ^Featured

Representatives from NGOs, community and voluntary groups and the statutory sector attended.

Among the key speakers were  by Michael Smyth, Solicitor with FG Phelan & Co Solicitors, who delivered a presentation on mental health law for the morning session. Michael spoke about the Mental Health Act 2001 and also took an in depth look at capacity and consent issues.

Thomas J Walsh, Solicitor, with Thomas J Walsh Solicitors, delivered a presentation on family law for the afternoon session. Thomas spoke in great detail about the areas of access, custody and maintenance issues as well as domestic violence legislation including the law around protection and barring orders.

Lianne Murphy from the Public Interest Law Alliance said: “We are delighted to be able to host this Legal Education Event in partnership with the Mayo Community Platform in Co. Mayo. It is important to raise awareness around the areas of mental health law and family law, and to increase individuals’ and organisations’ capacity and knowledge which I believe we have achieved here today.

"I would like to acknowledge the two solicitors who contributed their knowledge and time pro bono, which was crucial to the success of the event.”

Michelle Rooney from the Mayo Community Platform said:“The day was a huge success and extremely informative. It was great to see such a large turnout and we are confident that those who took part were able to take valuable learning away with them. The Mayo Community

Platform is committed to building on the success of this event, and continuing to work collaboratively to support those affected by poverty and social exclusion.”

At the Mayo Community Platform (MCP), free Legal Education event on in Castlebar were l-R: Michelle Rooney (MCP), Maeve Regan (PILA), Lianne Murhpy (PILA), Bernadette Byrne (MCP), Maria McHale (MCP), Thomas J Walsh (Thomas J Walsh Solicitors), Therese Ruane (MCP), Rita Hopkins (MCP) and Con Murphy (MCP).