Law, history and culture from the organisation representing the barristers' profession in Ireland. Tune in to hear stories of our great historical legal figures, interviews from the committee members of our Specialist Bar Associations, the unique career paths of our membership and more.
Follow us on Twitter @TheBarofIreland or visit our website at www.lawlibrary.ie.
The Development of Family Mediation over the last 40 years - A Second Coming?
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.
2 Jun 2026
How to Set Up a Charity in Ireland: Legal Essentials & Expert Insights
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.
15 Apr 2026
The end of smash and grab? | Construction Bar Association
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.
Who has been a guest on The Bar of Ireland Podcasts
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Mark Scanlon
Diarmuid Brecknell
Andrew McKeown
Ms. Justice Marie Baker (retd)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
56,652
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
60
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
Contact The Bar of Ireland Podcasts
Guest appearances
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