Maynooth Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC) Society officially launched ‘A Guide to Student Rights’, on April 17th 2021. This guide contains rights and regulations ranging across a number of different areas including Criminal Law, Rights on a Night Out, Landlord & Tenant Law, Employment Law, Taxes & Finances, Travel Abroad, Useful Contacts, and a Covid-19 Section. Additionally, it was composed with the interests of the students at Maynooth University in mind, attempting to invoke awareness and education within the broader campus community. Thus meaning, it provides the information in a user friendly and easy to read manner.
The concept of this guide was brought to light by Former President, Scott Connolly, Former Vice President, Matt Jones and Former Secretary, Niall Finan and it was co-authored by former Editorial Officers, Rachel O’Rourke and Hugh Logue and current Editorial Officers, Ewa Smolaga and Hira Khan. The guide underwent composing and editing for two years, due to the continually evolving nature of COVID-19 legislation. As a result, even though it is not the only guide of its kind to have been published, it is the largest. It covers the most up to date regulations in a comprehensive and concise manner and keeping in line with the core ethos of FLAC which represents access to justice for all, the guide has been published on MU FLAC society’s newly established website.
Furthermore, ‘A Guide to Student Rights’ could not have been published without the proud sponsorship and support of Maynooth Law Department, the Clubs and Societies Office and Conor Duff BL. To mark this momentous occasion, MU FLAC society held a virtual zoom launch with FLAC CE Eilis Barry and Conal Cahill, representatives of FLAC Ireland, providing an insight into FLAC Ireland. Additionally, speeches from Professor Michael Doherty, Head of the Law Department at Maynooth University and finally, former and current committee members were also presented at the launch. Maynooth FLAC also acknowledged the time and effort provided by Maynooth Alum, Conor Duff BL in reviewing the guide before publication and the staff at Outburst designs who were also major contributors in bringing the guide to life. Representatives from the Maynooth University Library were also present to exhibit their support in displaying the guide at 344.079 FLAC, within the Library.
Maynooth FLAC has made an active effort to remain an integral part of the Maynooth University community and the launch of ‘A Guide to Student Rights’ has built a lasting impact. It is freely available to all in pdf format online which is essential to ensure access to all during the current pandemic. The Guide will be reviewed and edited twice a year to ensure it remains up-to-date. It will be re-launched by future FLAC society committee members in order to carry on the legacy of Maynooth FLAC Society Committee 2019/20 and 2020/21.