FLAC's network of legal advice centres, including in Athy, Newbridge, Naas and Maynooth, were forced to shut last year due to the pandemic.
An organisation that provides free legal advice says there was a huge demand on its phone service last year.
FLAC has released its annual report, which shows it received over 12,400 calls in 2020.
FLAC CE @Eilis_Barry is opening the virtual launch of ‘Remote Justice’ Flac’s Annual Report 2020. Eilis will be joined by Chief Justice Frank Clarke, FLAC's new Chairperson David Fennelly, FLAC's Chris Bowes & Erin Brogan and Poet and spoken word artist, Felispeaks. #FlacAR2020 pic.twitter.com/zBAnEwZBoQ
— FLAC (@flacireland) June 29, 2021
It saw employment law queries increase by more than 38 per cent on 2019, with family law queries up 27 per cent.
FLAC's network of legal advice centres, including in Athy, Newbridge, Naas and Maynooth, were forced to shut last year due to the pandemic.
Chief executive of FLAC, Eilis Barry, says staff reported growing levels of stress and anxiety among callers:
Chief Justice notes the importance of new initiatives such as The Probono Pledge which makes a valuable contribution to providing services to those who need them. #FlacAR2020 pic.twitter.com/LGV8YGt2iR
— FLAC (@flacireland) June 29, 2021
Eilis Barry, says relationships broke down and some parents had difficulty accessing their children due to restrictions:
.

Jury At Jeffrey Donaldson Trial Sent Home For Weekend
Investigation Underway After Submachine Gun Fell From The Boot Of Garda Car
Withdrawal Of Solicitor Services For Criminal Legal Aid Cases Enters It's Fifth Day
Petrol and Diesel Prices Ease After US-Iran Peace Framework
42 South Africans Deported From Ireland
Investigations Continue After Woman Injured In Dublin
Convicted Paedophile Bill Kenneally Dies
Dáil Approves Proposal To Abolish Three-Day Abortion Waiting Period