LSDSI: 11 July 2022
‘Children in State Care and the Criminal Justice System’ by Aisling Bruen, LSDSI Auditor
Pictured above L to R: His Honour Judge John O’Connor, Judge of the Circuit Court; The Hon. Ms Bronagh O’Hanlon, former Judge of the High Court; Mary Griffin, CEO and Under Treasurer of King’s Inns; Aisling Bruen, LSDSI Auditor, and Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children.
On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, Aisling Bruen, Diploma in Legal Studies student and Auditor (Session 192) of the Law Students’ Debating Society of Ireland (LSDSI) delivered her Inaugural Address at King’s Inns.
The theme
The theme of the Address was “Children in State Care and the Criminal Justice System”. As a proud care–leaver, the theme chosen is very close to Aisling’s heart. She is passionate about advocating for children’s rights in care and aftercare. Aisling currently works as a Social Care Worker in children’s residential services and holds a position on the Irish Aftercare Network Steering Committee, a national forum for Aftercare Workers and professionals working with young people transitioning from state care to independent living.
On the night, Aisling delivered a decisive and thought–provoking Address striking a chord with many in attendance. Aisling finished her Address with a call to action in making key recommendations.
Huge thanks to His Honour Judge John O’Connor, Judge of the Circuit Court, for chairing the Address and to The Hon. Ms Bronagh O’Hanlon, former Judge of the High Court and Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, for acting as Responders. Your thoughts and experience on the topic enriched the Address’s delivery.
In attendance
In attendance on the evening was Hugh I Mohan SC, Bencher and Chair of Council of King’s Inns; Judge Yvonne Murphy, former Judge of the Circuit Court; Charles Lysaght BL, Vice–President and former LSDSI Auditor; Michael Block BL and Declan Harmon BL, former LSDSI Auditors; current members of the LSDSI committee; friends and colleagues of Aisling Bruen; Mary Griffin, CEO and Under Treasurer; Dr Eimear Brown, Dean of School; Diane Sutton, Member Relations Officer; other faculty members and current students of King’s Inns.
About the LSDSI
The Law Students’ Debating Society of Ireland (LSDSI) is a student–run body originally formed as a debating society in 1830. Over the years, it has evolved and now represents all facets of student life at King’s Inns.
The LSDSI benefits from considerable support and direction from King’s Inns.
Further details on the LSDSI can be found HERE.