Barristers’ voluntary work contributes to new Drugs Act

Barristers have given up their free time to help develop the draft legislation for the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2017, which was approved by Senators yesterday.

The Bar of Ireland’s pro bono programme, the Voluntary Assistance Scheme (VAS), worked with the Ana Liffey Drug Project on the bill.

VAS co-ordinator Libby Charlton BL said: “The role of VAS is to provide free legal advice and support to charities, NGOs and civic society organisations who might not otherwise have the means to avail of professional legal services.

“A team of seven experienced barristers worked with the Ana Liffey Drug Project to draft the legislation, which was presented to the then Minister of State with the responsibility for Drugs Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD in May 2015. The legislation has now passed through the Dáil and the Seanad.”

Ms Charlton added: “This is an example of how the voluntary work and dedication of our members can empower organisations to make a difference through the law.”

Other charities that the Voluntary Assistance Scheme has worked with include the Irish Penal Reform Trust, Vincent de Paul, Irish Traveller Movement, Northside Community Law and Mediation, Merchants Quay, Dublin Aids Alliance and FLAC.

The committee that drafted the legislation for the Ana Liffey Project was chaired by Senior Counsel Emily Egan. Other members included Bernard Condon SC, Marcus Keane BL, Rebecca Broderick BL, Rebecca Graydon BL and Brendan Savage BL.