Correspondence between Mary Robinson and members of public relating to change in Divorce Laws including individuals seeking assistance in their own cases and those objecting/supporting the introduction of Divorce in Ireland.

Some material is restricted due to sensitive and personal nature of contents.

[Please consult archivist to enquire about access to restricted material.]

Correspondence between Mary Robinson and members of public relating to change in Divorce Laws including individuals seeking assistance in their own cases and those objecting/supporting the introduction of Divorce in Ireland.

Some material is restricted due to sensitive and personal nature of contents.

[Please consult archivist to enquire about access to restricted material.]

Material in this file relates to the drive to amend and update Divorce Law and consists predominantly of correspondence from professional individuals and organisations (1970s). It contains correspondence from the Marriage Counselling Service (MCS) including their annual report, 1971, a report from the Cork Branch AGM, 01/03/1973, and newsletter 07/1974, (1971-20/11/1975); correspondence, reports and other material relating to the Labour Women's National Council sub-committee on Family Law, including draft interim statement on Nullity/Divorce and the need for a Divorce Law, following the publication of the White paper on the Law of Nullity in Ireland (12/10-11/11/1976); correspondence from AD Baker to Mary Robinson (MR), Professor E Davis, Chairman, The Economic and Social Research Institute, The Attorney General and the National Press outlining his position and concerns relating to the contents of the booklet "The Law of Nullity in Ireland", 14/02-20/07/1977; correspondence from Eilis McCullough, Liaison Officer, Women's Aid, outlining anonymised case history, 20/01/1978 and letter from Kevin Boyle, Faculty of Law, National University of Ireland, Galway regarding prospect of Boyle and MR taking a case to Europe that tested Irish Divorce Law (or lack thereof), 21/11/1979.

Material in this file relates to the drive to amend the Constitution in respect of the prohibition of divorce (10th Amendment to the constitution), including in relation to the referendum in Ireland held on 26/06/1986, and consists predominantly of correspondence from professional individuals and organisations (1980s). It includes correspondence (with Mary Robinson unless otherwise stated) from Jean Tansey, Chairperson, Labour Women's National Council 24/04-17/10/1980; Patrick Quinn, The Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, 15/10/1980; William [Duncan?], 198[0?]; Jesuit Rev Edmund Grace, which included a typed article by him "Divorce and the Natural Law: An Irish Comment", 25/06/1980-21/01/1981; Peter McDermott, Secretary, University College Dublin Branch, Labour Party, 28/01/1981; from John O' Connor to Michael Roberts which included draft chapter of Divorce Information book covering Church attitudes, 12/06/1981; from Pat Conway, Administrator, Women's Aid in relation to need for refuge shelter, 28/10-18/10/1981; from Rev Ramond Field, Director, Catholic Marriage Advisory Council (CMAC), 12/1981; from Professor Desmond Greer, Faculty of Law, Queen's University Belfast, 05/01/1982; from Magda O'Farrell Heuston, Women's Divorce Support Group [03]/1982; from Barry Desmond, Minister for Health and Social Welfare, 17/02-04/03/1983 in which MR lists her criticisms of the terms of reference for a Joint Committee on Marriage Breakdown; from Anne Williams, Trisha Mc Kay, Anne Andrews for AIM [Action Information Motivation] Group 23/06/1983, 07/11/1986, 26/02/1987 including comments from Andrews on the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Bill, 1987; photocopies of correspondence from Wenda Edwards, Chairperson, Family Aid [formerly Women's Aid] to Nora Greene, Community Care Services, Eastern Health Board, 15-22/11/1985; correspondence from Patrick Malone, member Family Solidarity, 18/03/1986; from Daniel O'Sullivan in relation to a programme aired "Today tonight" on the Divorce Referendum (24/04/1986), which was also sent to the press, 29/04/1986; from Aiden Waterstone, Vice President for Public Relations, Irish Association of Social Workers, 06/06/1986; circular "The Divorce Amendment" sent to University of Dublin (Trinity College Dublin) alumni from the three Dublin University Senators MR, Catherine McGuinness and Shane Ross, 12/06/1986; correspondence from Dermot JM Sherlock, Recorder of Alumni, University of Dublin, complaining about use of outdated addresses when "the Divorce Amendment" circular was sent out, 20/06/1986; from Bishop Brendan Comiskey of Ferns, which includes his statement on the Divorce Referendum, 24/06/1986-01/07/1986; from Sean Redmond, Chairman, ICCL [Irish Council for Civil Liberties], 198[?]; from William Duncan, 25/02-05/03/1987; photocopy of letter from Carmel Gilbride, Development Officer, Marriage Counselling Service Ltd., re celebrating its 25th anniversary, 20/10/1987 and copy of their submission to the Joint Committee on Marriage Breakdown from Paul McMahon, Chairman 07-08/03/1988 and circular from Family Lawyer's Association relating to seminar with topic "Family Law - the taxation implications", 07/04/1989.

It also contains a folder labelled "8th Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1980", consisting of some correspondence and draft Bills drawn up by MR and sent to members of the Labour Party, which aimed to offer a way to remove the prohibition on divorce (16/04-12/05/1980). This is not to be confused with the 8th Amendment relating to abortion referred to elsewhere (see P143/1/3/1/2/5).

File includes text of lecture delivered by Etienne Rynne at Trinity College Dublin as part of a wider conference on the Book of Kells, on the topic of Drolleries within the Book of Kells. Includes research notes, drafts, index cards of notes, press cuttings and associated research material.

Offprints of article by Etienne Rynne, "Drolleries in the Book of Kells", published for Trinity College Dublin by Solar Press.

File relating to a Civic Reception afforded to Druid Theatre Company in celebration of their achievements. Includes invitation to attend issued by Síle de Valera, Minister for Arts Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. Also includes text of speeches made by Minister de Valera and by Garry Hynes at the Reception.

"Druid - The First Ten Years" - Handwritten drafts of essays on the history and establishment of Druid Theatre Company. Articles include drafts and typescript versions of "The First Ten Years", written by David Burke. Includes handwritten annotations and corrections by the author. Other typescript documents include 'Druid History' and 'Druid on Tour' which provides a diary-like account by unnamed author of a tour of Ireland by Druid Theatre Company. Makes reference to Marie Mullen, Garry Hynes, Ray McBride and venues like Lisdoonvarna. Reference is made to tour of "The Wood of the Whispering" by M.J. Molloy. Likely from late 1970's to early 1980's.
File also includes printed invitation issued by Druid Theatre Company and the Galway Arts Festival to attend the launch of the book "Druid - The First Ten Years" in the Kenny Gallery, Middle Street, Galway and to view a special exhibition of posters and photographs from the Druid Archives in the gallery. Four copies. 4 pp Printed invitation issued by Druid Theatre Company and Galway Arts Festival to attend the Dublin Launch of the book "Druid - the First Ten Years" and an exhibition of posters and photographs from the Druid Archive to be held at the Exhibition Hall, Bank of Ireland, Baggot Street, Dublin. Document features a black and white photograph of Marie Mullen. Three copies. 3 pp Printed colour photograph of a logo designed to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Druid Theatre Company. One item. 1 p

Photocopies of assorted photographs from early years of Druid's existence, circa first 15 years. Images include Garry Hynes, Marie Mullen, Maelíosa Stafford, Sean McGinley, Jerome Hynes, Brid Brennan, Ray McBride, Pat Leavy, Mick Lally and various others. Also includes paper black and white folder detailing images from past Druid productions, a list of past productions, awards and press quotes.

Edition of the book "Druid - The First Ten Years". Book is autographed by Druid Theatre Company members. File also includes photocopy of the book "Druid - the First Ten Years".