The Gazette 1982

228 / 250

INCORPORATED LAW SOCIETY OF IRELAND GAZETTEVol. 76. No. 10 December 1982
In this issue • . .
Comment 209
Recognition of foreign divorces —.
a further gloss 211
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
VAT Offices 225
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.
Published at Blackball Place, Dublin 7.
Comment . . .
Wills Week — Retrospect
THE 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