The Gazette 1982

INCORPORATED LAW SOCIETY OF IRELAND GAZETTE Vol. 76. No. 10

December 1982

Comment . . . Wills Week — Retrospect T HE impact of "Make a Will Week" is likely to be observed in practices during the coming months. Making a will is not an impulsive act and the campaign was planned with the intention of stimulating members of the public to move towards the will-making decision. The Press advertising was directed specifically at the 25-35 age group of "young marrieds" with the message opened out in order to embrace a broader market. This was evident in the radio advertising campaign and in the speech made by the President (Brendan Allen) at the launching of the project. Mr. Allen also took the opportunity to float the idea of a State Register of wills which would be of convenience to both the profession and the public. The launching of the campaign "collided" with the dissolution of the Dáil; this, and the subsequent General Election campaign, undoubtedly limited the press coverage although the event was noted by the newspapers and strongly supported by a leading article in the Irish Times and TV coverage on three occasions. Background information was supplied to all national and provincial newspapers and to a number of freelance writers and this should generate follow-up features in the future. Public reaction has been good, as assessed by conversations not angled to seek approval. The number of people who mentioned the radio commercial was an indication of the impact of this media. A decision was taken not to use illegal "pirate" radio stations and it was agreed that the Society should not provide speakers for them. This was endorsed by the President. TV advertising was considered and rejected because of the high cost in relation to the budget. Criticism — anticipated by some members whose conservatism was reluctant to accept corporate advertising — has not been apparent. Support from Bar Councils throughout the country was generally good and undoubtedly reinforced the message as broadcast in the national newspapers and on radio. The initial impact can be further reinforced, as opportunity offers, in talks with local organisations and in client conversations. The follow-up by the Public Relations Committee, which organised the campaign, includes contact with the membership (Continued on p. 212) 209

In this issue • . . Comment

209

Recognition of foreign divorces —. a further gloss

211

Apprentices

213

IBA Protest at arrest of Bangladeshi Lawyers 213 Housing Finance Agency Loans: A Caution . 215 IBA Delhi Conference 216 IBA establishes new section on Energy 217 The Role of the Law Office in the Administration of Justice 219 Book Reviews 222 VAT Offices 225 Correspondence 227 Professional Information 228 Executive Editor: Mary Buckley Editorial Board: Charles R.M. Meredith, Chairman John F. Buckley Gary Byrne William Earley Michael V. O'Mahony Maxwell Sweeney Advertising: Liam Ó hOisin, Telephone 305236 The views expressed in this publication, save where otherwise indicated, are the views ofthe contributors and not necessarily the views of the Council of the Society.

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