Research Profile

Biography

Emeritus Professor Maeve McDonagh is an academic lawyer specialising in information law. Professor McDonagh is author of Freedom of Information Law (Thomson Round Hall, 3rd ed., 2015) and Cyber Law (with M. O'Dowd) (International Encyclopaedia of Laws Series, Kluwer Law, 2nd ed., 2015). Professor McDonagh has published widely in the field of information law and has advised various governments on the drafting and implementation of FOI legislation. Professor McDonagh has been engaged as an expert on information law matters by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and by the European Commission.  Professor McDonagh taught law at National University of Ireland Galway, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia and University College Cork and she has served as Dean of the Faculty and Head of the Department of Law at University College Cork. She was a visiting researcher at the University of Melbourne, University College London, Monash University, La Trobe University, and Queensland University of Technology.  Professor McDonagh was Deputy Chair of the inaugural Press Council of Ireland from 2007 - 2013. In 2012, she was one of three international experts on freedom of information law appointed as members of the newly established Independent Appeals Panel on access to information of the Asian Development Bank. In 2013, she was appointed by the Irish government to the FOI Implementation Review Group. In 2015, Prof. McDonagh was appointed to the board of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and her appointment was renewed in 2021. In 2020 she retired from full.-time employment  and was appointed Emeritus Professor of Law at in University College Cork.

Research Interests

My research interests lies mainly in the area of Freedom of Information law and privacy/data protection law. 


Publications

Books

 YearPublication
(2015)Cyberlaw in Ireland.
McDonagh, M. and O'Dowd, M. (2015) Cyberlaw in Ireland. Amsrerdam: Wolters Kluwer. [Details]
(2015)Freedom of Information law in Ireland (3rd ed.).
McDonagh, M. (2015) Freedom of Information law in Ireland (3rd ed.). Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]
(2006)Freedom of Information law in Ireland (2nd ed.).
McDonagh, M.; (2006) Freedom of Information law in Ireland (2nd ed.). : Thomson Round Hall. [Details]
(2005)Cyberlaw in Ireland: International Encyclopaedia of Laws.
McDonagh, M. and Crowley, L; (2005) Cyberlaw in Ireland: International Encyclopaedia of Laws. : Kluwer Law. [Details]
(1998)Freedom of Information Law In Ireland.
McDonagh, M.; (1998) Freedom of Information Law In Ireland. : Round Hall Sweet & Maxwell. [Details]
(1995)Privacy of Personal Information in the Public Sector.
McDonagh, M; (1995) Privacy of Personal Information in the Public Sector. Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. [Details]
(1993)Disability Discrimination Law in the United States, Australia and Canada [B2159].
Quinn, G, McDonagh, M., Kimber, C.; (1993) Disability Discrimination Law in the United States, Australia and Canada [B2159]. : Oaktree Press. [Details]

Book Chapters

 YearPublication
(2019)'Evaluating the Access to Information Policies of the Multilateral Development Banks'
McDonagh, Maeve (2019) 'Evaluating the Access to Information Policies of the Multilateral Development Banks' In: McIntyre, Owen and Nanwani, Suresh (eds). The Practice of Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs). Leiden: Brill. [DOI] [Details]
(2019)'Freedom of Processing of Personal Data for the Purpose of Electoral Activities after the GDPR'
McDonagh, Maeve (2019) 'Freedom of Processing of Personal Data for the Purpose of Electoral Activities after the GDPR' In: Witzleb, N, Paterson, M., Richardson, J (eds). Big Data, Political Campaigning and the Law Democracy and Privacy in the Age of Micro-Targeting. UK: Routledge. [Details]
(2013)'The impact of freedom of information on Irish local government'
McDonagh M. (2013) 'The impact of freedom of information on Irish local government' In: Freedom of Information: Local Government and Accountability. [Details]
(2011)'FOI in Irish Local Government'
McDonagh, M. (2011) 'FOI in Irish Local Government' In: Town Hall Transparency? The Impact of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on Local Government in England. University College London: Constitution Unit. [Details]
(2010)'The Impact of Freedom of Information on Irish Local Government'
McDonagh, M (2010) 'The Impact of Freedom of Information on Irish Local Government' In: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY. ABINGDON: ROUTLEDGE. [Details]
(2010)'The Impact of freedom of Information on Irish Local Government'
McDonagh, M; (2010) 'The Impact of freedom of Information on Irish Local Government' In: Freedom of Information: Local Government and Accountability. UK: Ashgate.   [Details]
(2006)'Access to tender related Information'
McDonagh, M.; (2006) 'Access to tender related Information' In: Freedom of Information: Law and Practice. -: FirstLaw. [Details]
(2006)'The Uneasy Relationship between Freedom of Information and Data Protection'
McDonagh, M; (2006) 'The Uneasy Relationship between Freedom of Information and Data Protection' In: L'individu face aux nouvelles technologies : surveillance, identification et suivi. Zurich: Schulthess Juristische Medien.   [Details]
(2005)'Research Ethics Committees in Ireland'
Madden D & McDonagh M.; (2005) 'Research Ethics Committees in Ireland' In: Research Ethics Committees, Data protection and Medical Research in European Countries. UK: Ashgate Publishing. [Details]
(2004)'Implementation of Directive 95/46/EC in relation to medical research in the Republic of Ireland'
Madden D. & McDonagh M.; (2004) 'Implementation of Directive 95/46/EC in relation to medical research in the Republic of Ireland' In: Implementation of the Data Protection Directive in relation to medical research in Europe. UK: Ashgate Publishing. [Details]
(2004)'European Access Leghislation: Consistency or Divergence?'
McDonagh, M.; (2004) 'European Access Leghislation: Consistency or Divergence?' In: Public Sector Information in the Digital Age: Between Markets, Public Management and Citizens' Rights. UK: Edward Elgar.   [Details]
(1999)'Freedom of Information: A Comparative Perspective'
McDonagh, M.; (1999) 'Freedom of Information: A Comparative Perspective' In: Freedom of Information: Philosophy and Implementation. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2019)'Health Research, Consent and the GDPR Exemption'
Donnelly M;McDonagh M; (2019) 'Health Research, Consent and the GDPR Exemption'. European journal of health law, 26 (2) [DOI] [Details]
(2018)'Data Protection in an Era of Big Data: the Challenges Posed by Big Personal DataPosed'
Paterson, M;McDonagh, M (2018) 'Data Protection in an Era of Big Data: the Challenges Posed by Big Personal DataPosed'. Monash University Law Review, 44 :1-31 [Details]
(2018)'Health Research, Consent to Data Processing and the Research Exemption'
Donnelly, Mary & McDonagh, Maeve (2018) 'Health Research, Consent to Data Processing and the Research Exemption'. Medico-Legal Journal of Ireland, 24 (2):80-92 [Details]
(2017)'Freedom of information and the public interest: The commonwealth experience'
Paterson M.;McDonagh M. (2017) 'Freedom of information and the public interest: The commonwealth experience'. Oxford University Commonwealth Law Journal, 17 (2):189-210 [DOI] [Details]
(2017)'Freedom of Information and the Public Interest: The Commonwealth Experience'
Moira Paterson and Maeve McDonagh (2017) 'Freedom of Information and the Public Interest: The Commonwealth Experience'. Oxford University Commonwealth Law Journal, [DOI] [Details]
(2017)'FOI in the balance: The function and role of the public interest test'
Maeve McDonagh and Moira Paterson (2017) 'FOI in the balance: The function and role of the public interest test'. Public Law, 2017 (1):81-99 [Details]
(2013)'The Right to Information in International Human Rights Law'
McDonagh, M. (2013) 'The Right to Information in International Human Rights Law'. Human Rights Law Review, 13 (1):25-55   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2012)'Balancing Disclosure of Information and the Right to respect for Private Life in Europe'
McDonagh, Maeve (2012) 'Balancing Disclosure of Information and the Right to respect for Private Life in Europe'. Journal of Internet Law, 16 (3):3-17 [Details]
(2011)'Keeping the secrets of the dead? An evaluation of the statutory framework for access to information about deceased persons'
Donnelly M.;Mcdonagh M. (2011) 'Keeping the secrets of the dead? An evaluation of the statutory framework for access to information about deceased persons'. Legal Studies, 31 (1):42-70 [DOI] [Details]
(2011)'Keeping the secrets of the dead? An evaluation of the statutory framework for access to information about deceased persons'
Donnelly, M., McDonagh, M.; (2011) 'Keeping the secrets of the dead? An evaluation of the statutory framework for access to information about deceased persons'. Legal Studies, 31 (1):42-70 [Details]
(2010)'Freedom of Information: Taking account of the circumstances of individual applicants'
McDonagh, M; Paterson, M; (2010) 'Freedom of Information: Taking account of the circumstances of individual applicants'. Public Law, (July 2010):505-529   [Details]
(2010)'Access to local government information in Ireland: Attitudes of decision-makers'
McDonagh, M; (2010) 'Access to local government information in Ireland: Attitudes of decision-makers'. Open Government: A Journal on Freedom of Information, 6 (6):1-20   [Details]
(2010)'New Technology and Researchers' Access to Court and Tribunal Information: the need for European Analysis'
Leith, P; McDonagh, M; (2010) 'New Technology and Researchers' Access to Court and Tribunal Information: the need for European Analysis'. SCRIPTed: A Journal of Law, Technology and Society, 6 (1):33-56   [Details]
(2010)'Access to health information in respect of deceased persons: the law in Ireland'
Donnelly, M; McDonagh, M; (2010) 'Access to health information in respect of deceased persons: the law in Ireland'. Medico-Legal Journal of Ireland, 16 (1):7-15   [Details]
(2009)'The protection of personal information in public registers: The case of urban planning information in Ireland'
McDonagh M. (2009) 'The protection of personal information in public registers: The case of urban planning information in Ireland'. Information and Communcations Technology Law Journal, 18 (1):19-38 [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'The protection of personal information in public registers: the case of urban planning information in Ireland'
McDonagh. M; (2009) 'The protection of personal information in public registers: the case of urban planning information in Ireland'. Information and Communcations Technology Law Journal, 18 (1):19-38   [Details]
(2008)'eGovernment in Ireland: An evaluation'
McDonagh, M. & White, F. ; (2008) 'eGovernment in Ireland: An evaluation'. Administration, 56 (1):19-55 [Details]
(2004)'Data Protection and Freedom of Information in Ireland'
McDonagh, M.; (2004) 'Data Protection and Freedom of Information in Ireland'. FOI Review, 112 :42-47 [Details]
(2003)'Electronic Signatures: the legal framework and the market reality in Ireland'
McDonagh, M. and White, F; (2003) 'Electronic Signatures: the legal framework and the market reality in Ireland'. Commercial Law Practitioner, 10 (September 2003):228-236 [Details]
(2003)'The Honeymoon is Over: Ireland rolls back on FOI'
McDonagh, M.; (2003) 'The Honeymoon is Over: Ireland rolls back on FOI'. Freedom of Information Review, 106 :77-83 [Details]
(2003)'Annotated Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003'
McDonagh, M.; (2003) 'Annotated Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003'. Irish Current Law Statutes Annotated, [Details]
(2002)'E-Government in Australia: the Challenge to Privacy of Personal Information'
McDonagh, M.; (2002) 'E-Government in Australia: the Challenge to Privacy of Personal Information'. International Journal of Law and Information Technology, 10 (3):327-343 [Details]
(2002)'Disclosure of information relating to public procurement: the role of freedom of information law'
McDonagh, M.; (2002) 'Disclosure of information relating to public procurement: the role of freedom of information law'. Public Procurement Law Review, 3 (*):172-186 [Details]
(2001)'Freedom of Information in Ireland and Europe: Progress and Regression'
McDonagh, M.; (2001) 'Freedom of Information in Ireland and Europe: Progress and Regression'. International Journal of Legal Information, 29 (2) (*):256-272 [Details]
(2001)'Freedom of Information and Commercial Information'
McDonagh, M.; (2001) 'Freedom of Information and Commercial Information'. Public Law, * (*):256-267 [Details]
(2000)'Access to Documents of the European Institutions'
McDonagh, M.; (2000) 'Access to Documents of the European Institutions'. Freedom of Information Review, * (88):50-53 [Details]
(2000)'Freedom of Information in Common Law Jurisdictions: The Experience and the Challenge'
McDonagh, M.; (2000) 'Freedom of Information in Common Law Jurisdictions: The Experience and the Challenge'. Multimedia Und Recht, 4 (*):207-212 [Details]
(2000)'The Implications of New Developments in Public Sector Management for the Freedom of Information Act'
McDonagh, M.; (2000) 'The Implications of New Developments in Public Sector Management for the Freedom of Information Act'. Contemporary Issues In Irish Law and Politics, 3 (*):54-69 [Details]
(2000)'The Interaction of European Community and National Access to Information Laws: An Irish Perspective'
McDonagh, M.; (2000) 'The Interaction of European Community and National Access to Information Laws: An Irish Perspective'. Irish Journal of European Law, 9(2) (*):216-236 [Details]
(2000)'Maintaining Standards in Electronic Banking: How Does Ireland Measure Up?'
Donnelly, Mary and McDonagh, Maeve; (2000) 'Maintaining Standards in Electronic Banking: How Does Ireland Measure Up?'. Commercial Law Practitioner, 7 :211-217 [Details]
(1998)'Annotated Freedom of Information Act'
McDonagh, M.; (1998) 'Annotated Freedom of Information Act'. Irish Current Law Statutes Annotated, [Details]
(1997)'Europe Moves Towards Greater Openness [B2167]'
McDonagh, M.; (1997) 'Europe Moves Towards Greater Openness [B2167]'. Freedom of Information Review, 0.69 :34-36 [Details]
(1996)'Freedom of Information Proposals in the Republic of Ireland [B2169]'
McDonagh, M.; (1996) 'Freedom of Information Proposals in the Republic of Ireland [B2169]'. Freedom of Information Review, 0.62 :14-17 [Details]
(1995)'Freedom of Information and Privacy: The Australian Experience [B2165]'
McDonagh, M.; (1995) 'Freedom of Information and Privacy: The Australian Experience [B2165]'. Ireland: A Journal of History and Society, 1.1 :119-125 [Details]
(1995)'Freedom of Information in Europe [B2166]'
McDonagh, M.; (1995) 'Freedom of Information in Europe [B2166]'. Ireland: A Journal of History and Society, 1.1 :136-142 [Details]
(1995)'Freedom of Information Developments in Europe [B2164]'
McDonagh, M.; (1995) 'Freedom of Information Developments in Europe [B2164]'. Freedom of Information Review, 0.58 :58-61 [Details]
(1993)'The 1992 Housing Act: New Thinking on Social Housing? [B2161]'
McDonagh, M.; (1993) 'The 1992 Housing Act: New Thinking on Social Housing? [B2161]'. Administration, 41 (3):235-248 [Details]
(1993)'Residential Tenancy Law Reform and the Antipodean Approach [B2162]'
McDonagh, M.; (1993) 'Residential Tenancy Law Reform and the Antipodean Approach [B2162]'. Dublin University Law Journal, 15 :95-118 [Details]
(1991)'Restrictive Provisions in Player Contracts'
McDonagh, M.; (1991) 'Restrictive Provisions in Player Contracts'. Australian Journal of Labour Law, 4 (2):126-150 [Details]
(1991)'Legal Protection of Information Privacy in Australia'
McDonagh, M.; (1991) 'Legal Protection of Information Privacy in Australia'. Computer Law and Security Report, 5 (6):13-18 [Details]
(1989)'Dismissals and the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration System'
McDonagh, M.; (1989) 'Dismissals and the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration System'. Federal Law Review, 18 (3):153-178 [Details]
(1987)'The Commonwealth Privacy Bill: Protection of Personal Information'
McDonagh, M.; (1987) 'The Commonwealth Privacy Bill: Protection of Personal Information'. Legal Service Bulletin, (12):175-179 [Details]

Other Journals

 YearPublication
(1989)'The Privacy Act 1988'
McDonagh, M.; (1989) 'The Privacy Act 1988' Red Tape: Journal of the Victorian Welfare Rights Unit, 3 :2-2. [Details]
(1987)'Recovery of debts due to the Department of Social Security: Section 135TD '
McDonagh, M.; (1987) 'Recovery of debts due to the Department of Social Security: Section 135TD ' Social Security Reporter, * :471-471. [Details]

Published Reports

 YearPublication
(2014)Irish National Report on Electronic Health Records.
Madden, D; McDonagh, M; (2014) Irish National Report on Electronic Health Records. Health and Consumers DG of the European Commission, Brussels. [Details]
(2004)Freedom of Information and Procurement: A Practical Guide for Public Authorities.
Amos, J. & McDonagh, M.; (2004) Freedom of Information and Procurement: A Practical Guide for Public Authorities. The Constitution Unit, University College London, UK.   [Details]
(2003)Freedom of Information in Ireland: Five Years On.
McDonagh, M; (2003) Freedom of Information in Ireland: Five Years On. National Security Archive, Washington.   [Details]
(2001)Extending the Scope of Employment Equality Legislation: Comparative Perspectives on the Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination.
Kilcommins, S, McClean, E, McDonagh, M., Mullally, S and Whelan, D; (2001) Extending the Scope of Employment Equality Legislation: Comparative Perspectives on the Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination. Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dublin.   [Details]
(1995)Privacy of Personal Information in the Public Sector.
McDonagh, M; (1995) Privacy of Personal Information in the Public Sector. Privacy Commissioner of Australia, Sydney, Australia. [Details]

Articles

 YearPublication
(2004)Freedom of Information and Procurement: A Practical Guide for public authorities.
Amos, J. and McDonagh, M.; (2004) Freedom of Information and Procurement: A Practical Guide for public authorities. London: Articles [Details]
(2004)Extending the Scope of Employment Equality Legislation: Comparative Perspectives on the Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination Report commissioned by Department of Justice.
Kilcommins, S., McClean, E., McDonagh, M., Mullally, S., and Whelan, D.; (2004) Extending the Scope of Employment Equality Legislation: Comparative Perspectives on the Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination Report commissioned by Department of Justice. Articles [Details]
(2003)Freedom of Information in Ireland: Five Years On Report commissioned by the National Security Archive.
McDonagh, M.; (2003) Freedom of Information in Ireland: Five Years On Report commissioned by the National Security Archive. Articles   [Details]
(1995)Privacy of Personal Information in the Public Sector, Privacy Monograph Series.
McDonagh, M. ; (1995) Privacy of Personal Information in the Public Sector, Privacy Monograph Series. Sydney: Articles [Details]

Newspaper Articles

 YearPublication
(2013)FOI bill concerns must be tackled.
Maeve McDonagh (2013) FOI bill concerns must be tackled. Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2003)Freedom of Information Act needs a thoroughly open review.
McDonagh, M.; (2003) Freedom of Information Act needs a thoroughly open review. Newspaper Articles [Details]
(1999)Decision in keeping with the spirit of the Act.
McDonagh, M. (1999) Decision in keeping with the spirit of the Act. Newspaper Articles [Details]
(1999)Free but still too Restricted.
McDonagh, M.; (1999) Free but still too Restricted. Newspaper Articles [Details]
(1998)Ireland prepares to unlock its secrets.
McDonagh, M.; (1998) Ireland prepares to unlock its secrets. Newspaper Articles [Details]
(1992)Deafening Silence on Proposals for Identity Cards.
McDonagh, M.; (1992) Deafening Silence on Proposals for Identity Cards. Newspaper Articles [Details]

Unpublished Reports

 YearPublication
(2010)EU funded study on Identity Theft - Irish Report.
McDonagh, M; (2010) EU funded study on Identity Theft - Irish Report. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2008)FOI and NGOs in Ireland report commissioned by The Atlantic Philanthropies.
McDonagh, M. ; (2008) FOI and NGOs in Ireland report commissioned by The Atlantic Philanthropies. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2008)Study on Legal Framework of Interoperable eHealth in Europe - Irish report.
McDonagh, M., Donnelly, M. ; (2008) Study on Legal Framework of Interoperable eHealth in Europe - Irish report. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2007)EU funded Report on National Transposition of the Data Retention Directive - Irish report.
McDonagh, M. & White, F. ; (2007) EU funded Report on National Transposition of the Data Retention Directive - Irish report. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2007)EU funded Report on Implementation of the Services Directive - Status of electronic registration of specific service providers in Ireland.
McDonagh, M.; (2007) EU funded Report on Implementation of the Services Directive - Status of electronic registration of specific service providers in Ireland. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2007)Report on Identification and Authentication in Electronic Payments in Ireland.
McDonagh, M., Donnelly, M. ; (2007) Report on Identification and Authentication in Electronic Payments in Ireland. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2006)EU funded Report on Privacy in Ireland.
McDonagh, M.; (2006) EU funded Report on Privacy in Ireland. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2004)Employment Equality Law: comparative perspectives on the prohibited grounds of discrimination. (Dublin: Government Publications Office) 173pp.
Mullally, S., McDonagh, M., Kilcommins, S. and Whelan, D.; (2004) Employment Equality Law: comparative perspectives on the prohibited grounds of discrimination. (Dublin: Government Publications Office) 173pp. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2004)Freedom of Information and Procurement: A Practical Guide for Public Authorities.
Amos, J. and McDonagh, M.; (2004) Freedom of Information and Procurement: A Practical Guide for Public Authorities. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2003)Freedom of Information: Five Years On.
McDonagh, M.; (2003) Freedom of Information: Five Years On. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2003)Legal and market aspects of the application of the Electronic Signatures Directive (1999/93/EC).
McDonagh, M., White, F.; (2003) Legal and market aspects of the application of the Electronic Signatures Directive (1999/93/EC). Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2002)Freedom of Information in Commonwealth jurisdictions.
McDonagh, M.; (2002) Freedom of Information in Commonwealth jurisdictions. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2002)Report on the extension of the grounds of discrimination in the Employment Equality Act.
Kilcommins, S., McDonagh, M., Mullally, S and Whelan, D; (2002) Report on the extension of the grounds of discrimination in the Employment Equality Act. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2002)The implementation of the data protection Directive in the area of medical research in Ireland.
McDonagh, M., Madden. D.; (2002) The implementation of the data protection Directive in the area of medical research in Ireland. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2001)Report on the Legal Framework for Australian eGovernment Initiatives commissioned by the Irish eGovernment agency, REACH.
McDonagh, M.; (2001) Report on the Legal Framework for Australian eGovernment Initiatives commissioned by the Irish eGovernment agency, REACH. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2000)Ireland's Implementation of European Recommendation 97/489/EC concerning transactions carried out by electronic payment instruments.
Donnelly, M., McDonagh, M.; (2000) Ireland's Implementation of European Recommendation 97/489/EC concerning transactions carried out by electronic payment instruments. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(1997)Legal Aspects of Digital Signatures in Ireland.
McDOnagh, M.; (1997) Legal Aspects of Digital Signatures in Ireland. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(1997)Fraud detection systems in the telecommunications field in Ireland.
McDonagh, M.; (1997) Fraud detection systems in the telecommunications field in Ireland. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(1995)Legal aspects of interchange of data between administrations in Ireland.
McDonagh, M.; (1995) Legal aspects of interchange of data between administrations in Ireland. Unpublished Reports [Details]

Unpublished work

 YearPublication
(2007)Access to Information: Best Law and Practice - Irish Chapter commissioned by Open Society Justice Initiative.
McDonagh, M. ; (2007) Access to Information: Best Law and Practice - Irish Chapter commissioned by Open Society Justice Initiative. Unpublished work [Details]

Research Report

 YearPublication
(2007)EU funded study eProcurement - Electronic Certificates and Attestations in Ireland.
McDonagh, M. & White, F. ; (2007) EU funded study eProcurement - Electronic Certificates and Attestations in Ireland. Research Report [Details]
(2007)EU funded Study on the interoperability of electronic identity management solutions in Europe (eIDM) - Irish report.
McDonagh, M. & White, F. ; (2007) EU funded Study on the interoperability of electronic identity management solutions in Europe (eIDM) - Irish report. Research Report [Details]
(2006)EU funded Preliminary Study on Mutual Recognition of eSignatures for eGovernment applications (IDABC) - Irish report.
McDonagh, M. & White, F. ; (2006) EU funded Preliminary Study on Mutual Recognition of eSignatures for eGovernment applications (IDABC) - Irish report. Research Report [Details]
(2006)EU funded Report on Legal and Administrative Practices regarding the Validity and Mutual Recognition of Electronic Documents (ELDOC) - Irish report.
McDonagh, M. & White, F. ; (2006) EU funded Report on Legal and Administrative Practices regarding the Validity and Mutual Recognition of Electronic Documents (ELDOC) - Irish report. Research Report [Details]
(2003)EU funded Study on Legal and Market Aspects of the Application of the Electronic Signatures Directive in Ireland (eSign).
McDonagh, M. & White, F. ; (2003) EU funded Study on Legal and Market Aspects of the Application of the Electronic Signatures Directive in Ireland (eSign). Research Report [Details]

Professional Activities

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Irish Association of Law Teachers The association has the objective of advancing legal education, legal research and the work and interests of law teachers on the island of Ireland./

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2015)George Boole UN Commemmoration: Better Data. Better Lives,
M. McDonagh (2015) Big Data and Human Rights. [Oral Presentation], George Boole UN Commemmoration: Better Data. Better Lives, UN Headquarters, New York . [Details]
(2015)National FOI Law Conference,
M. McDonagh (2015) FOI and the Public Interest. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], National FOI Law Conference, Kilkenny, Ireland . [Details]
(2015)Symbiosis Law School,
M. McDonagh (2015) Recent developments in European Data Protection Law. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Symbiosis Law School, Pune, India . [Details]
(2015)Monash University Law School Visiting Speaker seminar,
M. McDonagh (2015) The Right to be Forgotten in European Data Protection Law: the Google Spain decision. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Monash University Law School Visiting Speaker seminar, Monash University Law School . [Details]
(2014)ESF Exploratory Workshop on Government Transparency,
McDonagh, M. (2014) Presentation on methodologies for the conduct of research on transparency. [Invited Oral Presentation], ESF Exploratory Workshop on Government Transparency, IDHEAP Graduate School of Public Management, University of Lausanne, Switzerland , 30-JUN-14 - 01-JUL-14. [Details]
(2014)International Developments in Freedom of Information,
McDonagh, M. (2014) Invited Guest lecture on International Developments in Freedom of Information. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], International Developments in Freedom of Information, De La Salle University College of Law, Manila, Philippines , 15-MAY-14 - 15-MAY-14. [Details]
(2013)8th International Conference of Information Commissioners,
McDonagh, M. (2013) Updating the access agenda for commercial and economic data. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 8th International Conference of Information Commissioners, Berlin, Germany , 18-SEP-13 - 20-SEP-13. [Details]
(2012)Transatlantic Conference on Transparency Research,
McDonagh, M (2012) The Public Interest test in FOI legislation. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Transatlantic Conference on Transparency Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands , 07-JUN-12 - 09-JUN-12. [Details]
(2012)European Science Foundation Exploratory Workshop: Understanding The Emergent Regulatory Framework Governing Public Sector Data,
McDonagh, M. (2012) Workshop aimed at exploring the myriad legal issues implicated in access, dissemination and use of public sector data. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], European Science Foundation Exploratory Workshop: Understanding The Emergent Regulatory Framework Governing Public Sector Data, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands , 07-NOV-12 - 09-NOV-12. [Details]
(2011)Melbourne Law School Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies Seminar,
M. McDonagh; (2011) The Right to Information in International Human Rights Law. [Invited Oral Presentation], Melbourne Law School Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies Seminar, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia , 14-APR-11 - 14-APR-11. [Details]
(2011)First Global Conference on Transparency Research,
M. McDonagh; (2011) Balancing privacy and access in European law. [Invited Oral Presentation], First Global Conference on Transparency Research, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey , 20-MAY-11 - 20-MAY-11. [Details]
(2011)First Global Conference on Transparency Research,
M. McDonagh; (2011) Next Steps in Transparency Research. [Plenary Lecture], First Global Conference on Transparency Research, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA , 20-MAY-11 - 20-MAY-11. [Details]
(2011)National Information Law Conference,
M. McDonagh; (2011) Chicken Little and the FOI Menace. [Invited Oral Presentation], National Information Law Conference, Canberra, Australia , 23-MAR-11 - 23-MAR-11. [Details]
(2011)7th International Conference of Information Commissioners,
Maeve McDonagh (2011) The Right to Information in international human rights law. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 7th International Conference of Information Commissioners, Ottowa, Canada , 03-OCT-11 - 05-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011)Understanding FOI Requests and Information Rights,
Maeve McDonagh and Ben Worthy (2011) The Impact of the Freedom of Information Act. [Invited Oral Presentation], Understanding FOI Requests and Information Rights, London , 11-OCT-11 - 11-OCT-11. [Details]
(2010)Roundtable on Good Practice in Legislation on Access to Information,
McDonagh, M; (2010) International good practice in legislation on access to information. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Roundtable on Good Practice in Legislation on Access to Information, Astana, Kazakhstan , 14-DEC-10 - 14-DEC-10. [Details]
(2010)International Conference on Freedom of Information and Whistleblowers,
McDonagh, M; (2010) Freedom of information - Human Rights standards and limitations. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], International Conference on Freedom of Information and Whistleblowers, Belgrade, Serbia , 29-JUN-10 - 29-JUN-10. [Details]
(2010)EU-China Human Rights Seminar,
McDonagh, M.; (2010) FOI and privacy: Towards achieving an appropriate balance. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], EU-China Human Rights Seminar, Madrid, Spain , 26-JUN-10 - 27-MAY-10. [Details]
(2009)Freedom of Information: Local Government and Participation,
McDonagh, M; (2009) The Impact of Freedom of Information on Irish Local Government. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Freedom of Information: Local Government and Participation, Durham, UK , 17-MAY-09 - 17-MAY-09. [Details]
(2008)Workshop of Privacy of Communication, European Commission and Turkish Ministry of Justice,
McDonagh, M.; (2008) Privacy of Communications and the ECHR. [Oral Presentation], Workshop of Privacy of Communication, European Commission and Turkish Ministry of Justice, Istanbul , 08-MAY-08 - 08-MAY-08. [Details]
(2008)Information Commissioner 10th Anniversary FOI Conference, Royal College of Physicians,
McDonagh, M.; (2008) Freedom of information: the first decade. [Oral Presentation], Information Commissioner 10th Anniversary FOI Conference, Royal College of Physicians, Dublin , 15-MAY-08 - 15-MAY-08. [Details]
(2008)Trinity College Dublin Sixth Annual FOI Conference,
McDonagh, M.; (2008) Access to Records of Deceased Persons: A Comparative Examination. [Oral Presentation], Trinity College Dublin Sixth Annual FOI Conference, Dublin , 08-MAR-08 - 08-MAR-08. [Details]
(2008)Invited seminar presentation,
McDonagh, M; (2008) The ECHR and the Regulation of Surveillance. [Invited Oral Presentation], Invited seminar presentation, Macquarie University Law School, Sydney, Australia , 11-DEC-08 - 11-DEC-08. [Details]
(2007)Local Government Management Services Board conference,
McDonagh, M.; (2007) FOI: Recent Developments. [Oral Presentation], Local Government Management Services Board conference, Tullamore , 25-APR-07 - 25-APR-07. [Details]
(2007)International Seminar Hacia una nueva Institucionalidad de Acceso a la Información Pública en Chile,
McDonagh, M.; (2007) FOI: The Irish Experience. [Oral Presentation], International Seminar Hacia una nueva Institucionalidad de Acceso a la Información Pública en Chile, Santiago, Chile , 05-NOV-07 - 06-NOV-07. [Details]
(2006)Trinity College Dublin Fifth Annual FOI Conference,
McDonagh, M.; (2006) Developments in Interpretation of the Public Interest Override. [Oral Presentation], Trinity College Dublin Fifth Annual FOI Conference, Dublin , 14-OCT-06 - 14-OCT-06. [Details]
(2006)University of Alberta Access and Privacy Conference 2006: Sharing New Perspectives,
McDonagh, M.; (2006) FOI: The Irish Experience. [Invited Oral Presentation], University of Alberta Access and Privacy Conference 2006: Sharing New Perspectives, Edmonton, Canada , 07-JUN-06 - 09-JUN-06. [Details]
(2005)Open Society Justice Initiative Conference,
McDonagh, M.; (2005) 'The Irish Experience of FOI Appeals'. [Invited Oral Presentation], Open Society Justice Initiative Conference, London , 04-DEC-05 - 04-DEC-05. [Details]
(2005)Swiss Institute of Comparative Law Conference: 'L'individu face aux nouvelles technologies',
McDonagh, M.; (2005) 'The Uneasy Relationship between Freedom of Information and Data Protection'. [Invited Oral Presentation], Swiss Institute of Comparative Law Conference: 'L'individu face aux nouvelles technologies', Lausanne, Switzerland , 10-NOV-05 - 11-NOV-05. [Details]
(2005)Trinity College Dublin Fourth Annual FOI Conference,
McDonagh, M.; (2005) Access to Commerical Information under FOI. [Invited Oral Presentation], Trinity College Dublin Fourth Annual FOI Conference, Dublin , 15-OCT-05 - 15-OCT-05. [Details]
(2004)Data Protection in Ireland,
McDonagh, M; (2004) Exploring the relationship between freedom of information and data protection. [Invited Oral Presentation], Data Protection in Ireland, Hilton Hotel, Dublin , 16-FEB-04 - 16-FEB-04. [Details]
(2004)Joint Australian Institute of Administrative Law/Queensland University of Technology seminar,
McDonagh, M.; (2004) 'FOI and Privacy in Europe: An Uneasy Co-existence'. [Plenary Lecture], Joint Australian Institute of Administrative Law/Queensland University of Technology seminar, Brisbane, Australia , 16-AUG-04 - 16-AUG-04. [Details]
(2003)Legal-Island Conference on Employment Law for the Public Sector,
McDonagh, M.; (2003) Employee Access to Personal Data in the Public Sector under the Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Measures. [Invited Oral Presentation], Legal-Island Conference on Employment Law for the Public Sector, Dublin , 22-MAY-03 - 22-MAY-03. [Details]
(2003)Trinity College Dublin Law School Conference: Freedom of Information: Implications for Management of the New Developments in the Law,
McDonagh, M.; (2003) The Potential Impact of the FOI (Amendment) Act 2003. [Invited Oral Presentation], Trinity College Dublin Law School Conference: Freedom of Information: Implications for Management of the New Developments in the Law, Dublin , 12-SEP-03 - 12-SEP-03. [Details]
(2003)Constitution Unit: Private Seminar Series,
McDonagh, M.; (2003) Freedom of Information: Commercial Interests and Public Contracts: The Irish Experience. [Invited Oral Presentation], Constitution Unit: Private Seminar Series, University College London , 04-NOV-03 - 30-DEC-99. [Details]
(2003)Local Government Management Services Board Annual Conference: The FOI Experience: Five Years On,
McDonagh, M.; (2003) FOI and Public Procurement. [Invited Oral Presentation], Local Government Management Services Board Annual Conference: The FOI Experience: Five Years On, Tullamore , 19-MAR-03 - 19-MAR-03. [Details]
(2002)Department of Finance FOI Central Policy Unit Annual Conference,
McDonagh, M.; (2002) Reflections on FOI. [Invited Oral Presentation], Department of Finance FOI Central Policy Unit Annual Conference, Dublin Castle , 10-OCT-02 - 10-OCT-02. [Details]
(2002)Freedom of Information Expert Training seminar,
McDonagh, M.; (2002) Freedom of Information: Interaction with other legislation. [Invited Oral Presentation], Freedom of Information Expert Training seminar, Office of the Information Commissioner , 01-MAY-02 - 01-MAY-02. [Details]
(2002)seminar organised by the Commission for Communications Regulation,
McDonagh, M.; (2002) Challenges for FOI. [Invited Oral Presentation], seminar organised by the Commission for Communications Regulation, Dublin , 07-NOV-02 - 07-NOV-02. [Details]
(2001)Presentation to Society of Construction Law/Society of Chartered Surveyors,
McDonagh, M.; (2001) The Freedom of Information Act 1997: Disclosure by Public Bodies of Tenders Received and Other Commercially Sensitive Information. [Invited Oral Presentation], Presentation to Society of Construction Law/Society of Chartered Surveyors, Cork , 14-MAY-01 - 14-MAY-01. [Details]
(2001)National Privacy Conference,
McDonagh, M.; (2001) Legal Protection of Privacy in the eGovernment Environment. [Invited Oral Presentation], National Privacy Conference, Melbourne, Australia , 27-NOV-01 - 27-NOV-01. [Details]
(2001)Meeting of the Legal Advisory Board on eDemocracy,
McDonagh, M.; (2001) Reflections on eDemocracy from an Irish Perspective. [Invited Oral Presentation], Meeting of the Legal Advisory Board on eDemocracy, Brussels , 21-JUN-01 - 21-JUN-01. [Details]
(2001)Open Government Forum,
McDonagh, M.; (2001) Access to commercial information under the Irish FOI Act. [Invited Oral Presentation], Open Government Forum, New South Wales Parliament, Parliament House, Sydney , 10-DEC-01 - 10-DEC-01. [Details]
(2000)Access to Community Documents,
McDonagh,M.; (2000) The Interface Between Community and National FOI Rules: The Irish Experience. [Invited Oral Presentation], Access to Community Documents, Trinity College, Dublin , 24-MAR-00 - 24-MAR-00. [Details]
(2000)Seminar organised by Cork Corporation,
McDonagh, M.; (2000) Freedom of Information and Local Government. [Invited Oral Presentation], Seminar organised by Cork Corporation, Cork , 12-MAY-00 - 12-MAY-00. [Details]
(2000)Seminar organised by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for staff of enterprise agencies,
McDonagh, M.; (2000) Access to commercial information under the Freedom of Information Act. [Invited Oral Presentation], Seminar organised by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for staff of enterprise agencies, Dublin , 25-SEP-00 - 25-SEP-00. [Details]
(2000)Meeting of the Legal Advisory Board,
McDonagh,M.; (2000) The proposed Regulation on access to documents of the European institutions. [Invited Oral Presentation], Meeting of the Legal Advisory Board, Brussels , 15-MAY-00 - 15-MAY-00. [Details]
(2000)Annual conference of the International Association of Law Libraries,
McDonagh, M.; (2000) Freedom of Information in Ireland and Europe: Progress and Regression. [Invited Oral Presentation], Annual conference of the International Association of Law Libraries, Dublin , 22-AUG-00 - 22-AUG-00. [Details]
(2000)Staff seminar for staff of the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation,
McDonagh,M.; (2000) Freedom of Information: Implications for the Telecommunications Sector. [Invited Oral Presentation], Staff seminar for staff of the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation, Dublin , 24-SEP-00 - 24-SEP-00. [Details]
(1999)seminar organised by Messrs Ove Arup Consulting Engineers,
McDonagh, M.; (1999) Freedom of Information and Government Contractors. [Invited Oral Presentation], seminar organised by Messrs Ove Arup Consulting Engineers, Dublin , 20-SEP-99 - 20-SEP-99. [Details]
(1999)Irish Federation of University Women,
McDonagh, M.; (1999) Freedom of Information and You. [Oral Presentation], Irish Federation of University Women, UCC , 19-MAY-99 - 19-MAY-99. [Details]
(1999)Department of Foreign Affairs Annual Human Rights Forum,
McDonagh, M.; (1999) Evaluation of the Council of Europe System for Protecting Human Rights. [Invited Oral Presentation], Department of Foreign Affairs Annual Human Rights Forum, Dublin Castle , 26-JUN-99 - 26-JUN-99. [Details]
(1999)Freedom of Information: The Right to Know,
McDonagh, M.; (1999) Freedom of Information in Ireland and the EU. [Invited Oral Presentation], Freedom of Information: The Right to Know, Sheraton Hotel, Melbourne, Australia , 20-AUG-99 - 20-AUG-99. [Details]
(1999)Freedom of Information One Year On,
McDonagh,M.; (1999) Freedom of Information in Ireland: A Promise Fulfilled ?. [Invited Oral Presentation], Freedom of Information One Year On, Dublin Castle , 23-APR-99 - 23-APR-99. [Details]
(1998)Open and Shut: Freedom of Information in Ireland,
McDonagh, M.; (1998) Freedom of Information and the Public Interest. [Invited Oral Presentation], Open and Shut: Freedom of Information in Ireland, University College Cork , 17-OCT-98 - 17-OCT-98. [Details]

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2011Visiting Scholar University of Melbourne University of Melbourne
2012Appointed to the Independent Appeals Panel for access to information of the Asian Development Bank Asian Development Bank
2012Senior Fellow University of Melbourne University of Melbourne, Australia
2011Visiting Fellow University College London University College London
2009My book on Freedom of Information Law was cited in High Court Proceedings High Court of Ireland
2007Deputy Chair, Press Council of Ireland Press Council of Ireland
2004Visiting Fellow Queensland University of Technology Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
2003LLD National University of Ireland NUI
1996Visiting Fellow La Trobe Univrsity La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
2007Appointed Deputy Chair, Press Council of Ireland Press Council of Ireland

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
Freedom of Information Implementation Review Group (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform) To develop a Code of Practice for the operation of the Freedom of Information Act2013 /
Legal Advisory Board of DG Information Society of the European Union 1996 / 2001
Freedom of Information Users Advisory Committee (Department of Finance) 1998 /

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
Department of Law, University College Cork Associate Professor01-JAN-91 /
La Trobe University, Australia Lecturer01-JAN-85 / 01-JAN-91
NUIG Law Faculty Part-time Lecturer / Research Assistant01-JAN-82 / 01-JAN-85

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2003National University of Ireland LLDLaw
1990Monash University, Australia LLMLaw
1985NUIG Postgraduate DiplomaSystems Analysis
1982NUIG LLBLaw
1979NUIG BALegal Science and German

Languages

 LanguageReadingWritingSpeaking
Gaeilge FunctionalFunctionalFunctional
German BasicBasicBasic

Outreach Activities

 Description

Broadcasting - Radio:

Newstalk Radio 106: Media Matters, 2nd March 2003 (Freedom of Information)


Broadcasting - Radio:

RTE Radio Cork, 3rd February 1995 (European Convention on Human Rights)


Broadcasting - Television:

RTE 1 Television:  The Big Bite, 30th January 2006 (Freedom of Information)


Broadcasting - Television:

RTE 1 Television: Davis, 15th February 1995 (Human Rights)


Broadcasting - Radio:

Today FM, The Last Word with Matt Cooper, 23rd October 2009 (Data Protection)


Broadcasting - Radio:

RTE Radio 1: News at One, 21st April 2008 (Freedom of Information)



Broadcasting - Radio:

RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta, 21st April 2008 (Sáorail Fáisnéise (Freedom of Information))


Broadcasting - Radio:

RTE Radio 1: Morning Ireland, 12th March 2003 (Freedom of Information)


Broadcasting - Radio:

Today FM: The Last Word, 28th February 2003 (Freedom of Information)


Broadcasting - Radio:

RTE Radio 1: This Week, 23rd February 2003 (Freedom of Information)


Broadcasting - Radio:

RTE Radio Cork, 16th October 1998 (Freedom of Information)


Broadcasting - Radio:

RTE Radio 1: The Pat Kenny Show, 12th December 1994 (Freedom of Information)


Member of Editorial Board of Open Government: A Journal on Freedom of Information

Transparency International Ireland, Member of Expert Advisory Group

Member of Executive Board, Access Info Europe

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe)
Provided an opinion on the draft Kazakhstan Freedom of Information Law and presented it at an OSCE-supported international conference on developing national legislation on access to information in Astana, Kazakhstan
European Commission
Acted as Irish correspondent (often in collaboration with another colleague) on a range of EU Commission funded projects. Total funding: 35,545 Euro
Organsation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Advised on proposed exclusion of the heading on ethnic identity from civil status documents in Moldova. (with Darren O'Donovan)
UK government
Advised the UK government (Department for Constitutional Affairs) on the implementation of the UK FOI Act 2000
Information Commissioner of Ireland
Advised on the bringing of appeals to the Information Commissioner against decisions of public bodies to refuse freedom of information requests
Various public bodies
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Private firms in the construction industry
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Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
Journal Of Information, Law And Technology Member of Editorial Board01-MAR-11 -
Foi Review Member of Editorial Board01-JAN-98 - 01-JAN-02
Open Government: A Journal On Freedom Of Information Member of Editorial Board01-JAN-05 -
Web Journal Of Current Legal Issues Member of Editorial Board06-JAN-14 -

Other Activities

 Description

Invited by the UK ESRC (Economic & Social Research Council) to act as a Rapporteur on the evaluation of a project entitled "Evaluating the impact of freedom upon local government in England’.

Teaching Activities

Recent Postgraduates

 Graduation YearStudent NameInstitutionDegree TypeThesis Title
2013Maria Murphy University College CorkPHDThe analytical approach of the European Court of Human Rights in surveillance cases: The implications, justifications, and future of the Court’s reasoning, with a focus on the legislative impact in Ireland.

Contact details

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University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

College Road, Cork T12 K8AF

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