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Dr Brian Tobin

LLB., LLM., PhD., PG Cert.

Contact Details

Associate Professor
School of Law, Tower 2
E: brian.tobin@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

  • Winner, CBPPL Dean's Award for Inclusive Teaching 2021
  • Winner, CBPPL Award for Excellence in Teaching 2023
  • Finalist, Legal Educator of the Year, Dye and Durham Irish Law Awards 2023 & 2024
  • Finalist, Society of Legal Scholars' 2024 Margaret Brazier Prize for Outstanding Scholarship
I hold LL.B, LL.M and Ph.D degrees from the University of Dublin, Trinity College, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from the University of Galway (NUI Galway).

My primary research interests are in the areas of Family and Child Law, with a particular focus on the legal recognition of contemporary family forms and the position of children born via donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) and surrogacy. I have published articles on these areas in leading peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, Child and Family Law Quarterly, the Irish Jurist, Australian Journal of Family Law and European Human Rights Law Review. My book, 'The Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships: Emerging Families in Ireland and Beyond' (Oxford: Hart) was published in 2023, and was shortlisted for the Society of Legal Scholars' 2024 Margaret Brazier Prize for Outstanding Scholarship. I occasionally write family law-related 'Op-Ed' pieces for the Irish Times, Irish Examiner and Business Post, and I am a frequent media contributor regarding the rights of same-sex parents and children conceived via donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) and surrogacy. 

I have contributed to policy development in the U.K. and Ireland in the areas of donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) and surrogacy. In 2014, I provided expert oral testimony based on the findings in my PhD thesis to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality during pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill. In 2018, I was invited to Leinster House to contribute to an Oireachtas briefing on the legal ramifications of non-commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act. On 17th July 2018, when the Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill was passed, I was commended in the Seanad for my ongoing advocacy work regarding parental rights for same-sex couples and my 'guidance' to the members of the Oireachtas. On 26th May 2022, I provided oral testimony to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on International Surrogacy.

In October 2018 I was invited to attend the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to provide expert oral testimony on surrogacy law reform to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Surrogacy, and in September 2019 I was invited to contribute to the International Social Service's UK Expert Consultation on Draft International Principles for the Protection of the Rights of the Child born through Surrogacy (Verona Principles). In 2021, I was invited by ICF, a global consultancy acting on behalf of the DG Justice of the EU Commission, to contribute as national expert for Ireland to an impact assessment for a possible EU Digital Certificate of Parenthood which would recognise legal parentage established in one Member State across the EU 27.
  
In 2019, I was part of an academic consortium awarded funding from the Irish Research Council under its ‘Creative Connections’  scheme for a project entitled 'Feminism, Fertility and Reproduction: Towards a Progressive Politics'. In 2020, I was awarded a Charlemont Grant by the Royal Irish Academy to undertake a research visit to the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge. In 2021, I was the successful tenderer (with Dr Fergus Ryan of Maynooth University's School of Law) for funding from the Department of Justice to carry out a Review of the Law on Guardianship in the context of Children born outside of Marriage or Civil Partnership. In 2022, I received funding from the Society of Legal Scholars (SLS) for my family and child law conference, Contemporary Parent-Child Relationships and the Law, which was held at University of Galway in 2023.

In 2018-2019, I spent my sabbatical leave from the University of Galway as a Visiting Researcher at the Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London. In 2022, I was elected a Council Member of TREOIR, the national federation of services for unmarried parents.

I welcome inquiries from prospective Research Masters/PhD students interested in family and child law/sexuality and the law/equity and trusts.






Research Interests

Family and Child Law, with a particular focus at present on contemporary family forms and the legal position of children born via assisted human reproduction and surrogacy; Gender, Sexuality and Law; Equity and the Law of Trusts; Sport and the Law.

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2020) 'Assisted Reproductive Techniques and Irish Law: No Child Left Behind?'
Brian Tobin (2020) 'Assisted Reproductive Techniques and Irish Law: No Child Left Behind?'. Irish Jurist, 64 :138-152 [Details]
(2020) 'The (D)evolving Nature of Guardianship Rights for Unmarried Fathers under Irish Law?'
Brian Tobin (2020) 'The (D)evolving Nature of Guardianship Rights for Unmarried Fathers under Irish Law?'. Child and Family Law Quarterly, 32 (3):285-302 [Details]
(2020) 'Guardianship and Unmarried Fathers in Ireland: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?'
Brian Tobin (2020) 'Guardianship and Unmarried Fathers in Ireland: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?'. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 23 (4):87-92 [Details]
(2019) 'An Appraisal of Ireland's Current Legislative Proposals for Regulating Domestic Surrogacy Arrangements'
Brian Tobin (2019) 'An Appraisal of Ireland's Current Legislative Proposals for Regulating Domestic Surrogacy Arrangements'. Journal Of Social Welfare And Family Law, 41 (2):205-217 [Details]
(2019) 'Marriage Equality in Australia and Ireland: Separate Jurisdictions, Similar Politics'
Brian Tobin (2019) 'Marriage Equality in Australia and Ireland: Separate Jurisdictions, Similar Politics'. Australian Journal of Family Law, 32 (3):294-312 [Details]
(2018) 'Regulating Non-Clinical Donor-Assisted Human Reproduction in Ireland'
Brian Tobin (2018) 'Regulating Non-Clinical Donor-Assisted Human Reproduction in Ireland'. Irish Jurist, 60 :179-188 [Details]
(2017) 'The European Court of Human Rights' Inconsistent and Incoherent Approach to Second-Parent Adoption'
Brian Tobin (2017) 'The European Court of Human Rights' Inconsistent and Incoherent Approach to Second-Parent Adoption'. European Human Rights Law Review, 21 (1):59-67 [Details]
(2017) 'The General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017: A Hybrid Model for the Regulation of Surrogacy in Ireland'
Brian Tobin (2017) 'The General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017: A Hybrid Model for the Regulation of Surrogacy in Ireland'. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 20 (4):83-87 [Details]
(2017) 'Forging a Surrogacy Framework for Ireland: the Constitutionality of the Post-birth Parental Order and Pre-birth Judicial Approval Models of Regulation'
Brian Tobin (2017) 'Forging a Surrogacy Framework for Ireland: the Constitutionality of the Post-birth Parental Order and Pre-birth Judicial Approval Models of Regulation'. Child and Family Law Quarterly, 29 (2):133-148 [Details]
(2017) 'A Critique of Re AB (Surrogacy: Consent): Can Ireland Learn from the UK Experience?'
Brian Tobin (2017) 'A Critique of Re AB (Surrogacy: Consent): Can Ireland Learn from the UK Experience?'. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 20 (1):3-5 [Details]
(2016) 'Marriage Equality in Ireland: The Politico-Legal Context'
Brian Tobin (2016) 'Marriage Equality in Ireland: The Politico-Legal Context'. International Journal Of Law Policy And The Family, 30 (2):115-130 [Details]
(2015) ''First comes Love, then comes Marriage...': Allaying Reservations Surrounding Marriage Equality and Same-Sex Parenting in Ireland'
Brian Tobin (2015) ''First comes Love, then comes Marriage...': Allaying Reservations Surrounding Marriage Equality and Same-Sex Parenting in Ireland'. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 18 (1):9-13 [Details]
(2014) 'The Revised General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2014: Cognisant of the Donor-Conceived Child's Constitutional Rights?'
Brian Tobin (2014) 'The Revised General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2014: Cognisant of the Donor-Conceived Child's Constitutional Rights?'. Irish Jurist, 52 :153-162 [Details]
(2013) 'The Regulation of Cohabitation in Ireland: Achieving Equilibrium between Protection and Paternalism?'
Brian Tobin (2013) 'The Regulation of Cohabitation in Ireland: Achieving Equilibrium between Protection and Paternalism?'. Journal Of Social Welfare And Family Law, 35 (3):279-289 [Details]
(2012) 'Same-Sex Marriage in Ireland: The Rocky Road to Recognition'
Brian Tobin (2012) 'Same-Sex Marriage in Ireland: The Rocky Road to Recognition'. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 15 (4):102-106 [Details]
(2012) 'Law, Politics and the Child-Centric Approach to Marriage in Ireland'
Brian Tobin (2012) 'Law, Politics and the Child-Centric Approach to Marriage in Ireland'. Irish Jurist, 47 (1):210-225 [Details]
(2009) 'Same-Sex Couples and the Law: Recent Developments in the British Isles'
Brian Tobin (2009) 'Same-Sex Couples and the Law: Recent Developments in the British Isles'. International Journal Of Law, Policy And The Family, 23 (3):309-330 [Details]
(2008) 'EB v. France: Endorsing Un-Convention-al Families?'
Brian Tobin (2008) 'EB v. France: Endorsing Un-Convention-al Families?'. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 11 (4):78-83 [Details]
(2008) 'Relationship Recognition for Same-Sex Couples in Ireland: The Proposed Models Critiqued'
Brian Tobin (2008) 'Relationship Recognition for Same-Sex Couples in Ireland: The Proposed Models Critiqued'. Irish Journal Of Family Law, 11 (1):10-15 [Details]

Books

  Year Publication
(2023) The Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships: Emerging Families in Ireland and Beyond.
Brian Tobin (2023) The Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships: Emerging Families in Ireland and Beyond. Oxford: Hart. [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2025) 'Ireland's Irreconcilable Approaches to Domestic and International Surrogacy?'
Brian Tobin (2025) 'Ireland's Irreconcilable Approaches to Domestic and International Surrogacy?' In: Future Directions in Surrogacy Law: Law and Policy Reform in the UK and Beyond. Bristol: Bristol University Press. [Details]
(2023) 'Children and Parents'
Brian Tobin and Maebh Harding (2023) 'Children and Parents' In: Family Law in Context. Dublin: Clarus Press. [Details]
(2020) 'Equity'
Brian Tobin (2020) 'Equity' In: Annual Review of Irish Law 2019. :384-391 Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]
(2020) 'Marriage Equality in Ireland: The Politico-Legal Context'
Brian Tobin (2020) 'Marriage Equality in Ireland: The Politico-Legal Context' In: Same-Sex Relationships, Law and Social Change. :71-90 London: Routledge. [Details]
(2019) 'Legal Relationships between Adults and Children in Ireland'
Brian Tobin (2019) 'Legal Relationships between Adults and Children in Ireland' In: Adults and Children in Postmodern Societies. :323-349 Cambridge: Intersentia. [Details]
(2019) 'Law and Parental Rights'
Brian Tobin (2019) 'Law and Parental Rights' In: Law and Gender in Modern Ireland: Critique and Reform. :103-116 Oxford: Hart. [Details]
(2017) 'Registered Partnerships in Ireland'
Brian Tobin (2017) 'Registered Partnerships in Ireland' In: The Future of Registered Partnerships - Family Recognition Beyond Marriage?. :277-299 Cambridge: Intersentia. [Details]
(2017) 'The Regulation of Cohabitation in Ireland: Achieving Equilibrium between Protection and Paternalism?'
Brian Tobin (2017) 'The Regulation of Cohabitation in Ireland: Achieving Equilibrium between Protection and Paternalism?' In: Marital Rights. :177-187 London: Routledge. [Details]
(2013) 'Equity'
Brian Tobin (2013) 'Equity' In: Annual Review of Irish Law 2012. :325-329 Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]
(2012) 'Equity'
Brian Tobin (2012) 'Equity' In: Annual Review of Irish Law 2011. :366-380 Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]
(2011) 'Equity'
Brian Tobin (2011) 'Equity' In: Annual Review of Irish Law 2010. :375-383 Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]
(2010) 'Equity'
Brian Tobin (2010) 'Equity' In: Annual Review of Irish Law 2009. :447-457 Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]
(2009) 'Equity'
Brian Tobin (2009) 'Equity' In: Annual Review of Irish Law 2008. :325-333 Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]
(2008) 'Equity'
Brian Tobin (2008) 'Equity' In: Annual Review of Irish Law 2007. :280-285 Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2014) Rights on the Move: Rainbow Families in Europe
Brian Tobin (2014) Same-Sex Couples and Legislative Proposals for the Regulation of Assisted Human Reproduction in Ireland . In: Carlo Casonoto and Alexander Schuster eds. Rights on the Move: Rainbow Families in Europe Trento, Italy, , 16-OCT-14 - 17-OCT-14 , pp.233-240 [Details]

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2021) FRANET National Contribution to the Fundamental Rights Report 2021 - Ireland, Chapter 1 - Equality and Non-Discrimination.
Brian Tobin (2021) FRANET National Contribution to the Fundamental Rights Report 2021 - Ireland, Chapter 1 - Equality and Non-Discrimination. European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Vienna, Austria. [DOI] [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2010) 'Mandatory Interlocutory Injunctions: Recent Irish Developments'
Brian Tobin (2010) 'Mandatory Interlocutory Injunctions: Recent Irish Developments' Irish Law Times, 28 (13) :202-206. [Details]
(2010) 'Recognition of Canadian Same-Sex Marriage: Zappone and Gilligan v. Revenue Commissioners'
Brian Tobin (2010) 'Recognition of Canadian Same-Sex Marriage: Zappone and Gilligan v. Revenue Commissioners' Irish Human Rights Law Review, 1 :217-225. [Details]
(2007) 'Gay Marriage - A Bridge Too Far?'
Brian Tobin (2007) 'Gay Marriage - A Bridge Too Far?' Irish Student Law Review, 15 :175-196. [Details]
(2006) 'From Siebe Gorman to Spectrum: An Analysis of Charges over Book Debts under English and Irish Law'
Brian Tobin (2006) 'From Siebe Gorman to Spectrum: An Analysis of Charges over Book Debts under English and Irish Law' Irish Student Law Review, 14 :60-83. [Details]

Book Review

  Year Publication
(2020) The Construction of Fatherhood: The Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
Brian Tobin (2020) The Construction of Fatherhood: The Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. (2020) 5 European Human Rights Law Review 562: Book Review [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2024) Surrogacy Beyond the Carceral: Culture, Law and Lived Experience,
Brian Tobin (2024) Ireland's Journey towards Regulating Surrogacy: Culture, Law and Lived Experience. [Invited Oral Presentation], Surrogacy Beyond the Carceral: Culture, Law and Lived Experience, Sussex, U.K , 27-JUN-24 - 28-JUN-24. [Details]
(2023) Contemporary Parent-Child Relationships and the Law,
Brian Tobin (2023) Irish Law and Parent-Child Relationships in LGBT+ Families. [Oral Presentation], Contemporary Parent-Child Relationships and the Law, Galway, Ireland , 25-NOV-23 - 25-NOV-23. [Details]
(2022) Future Directions in Surrogacy Law,
Brian Tobin (2022) Ireland's Irreconcilable Approaches to Domestic and International Surrogacy. [Invited Paper], Future Directions in Surrogacy Law, London, U.K , 30-NOV-22 - 30-NOV-22. [Details]
(2022) Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference,
Brian Tobin (2022) An Analysis of the Review of the Law on Guardianship in the Context of Children born outside of Marriage or Civil Partnership. [International Refereed Conference], Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference, London ,U.K , 09-SEP-22 - 09-SEP-22. [Details]
(2021) Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference,
Brian Tobin (2021) Assisted Reproductive Techniques and Irish Law - No Child Left Behind?. [International Refereed Conference], Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference, Durham, U.K , 01-SEP-21 - 01-SEP-21. [Details]
(2021) TREOIR AGM,
Brian Tobin (2021) Guardianship and Unmarried Fathers in Ireland: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?. [Keynote Address], TREOIR AGM, Dublin , 25-MAY-21 - 25-MAY-21. [Details]
(2020) Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference,
Brian Tobin (2020) The (D)evolving Nature of Guardianship Rights for Unmarried Fathers under Irish Law?. [International Refereed Conference], Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference, Exeter, U.K , 04-SEP-20 - 04-SEP-20. [Details]
(2019) GESSUS Project Conference - Surrogacy in Spain,
Brian Tobin (2019) An Analysis of Ireland's Draft Law on Surrogacy. [Invited Paper], GESSUS Project Conference - Surrogacy in Spain, Barcelona, Spain , 24-OCT-19 - 24-OCT-19. [Details]
(2019) Reforming Surrogacy Laws: Future Directions and Possibilities,
Brian Tobin (2019) Cut, Copy and Paste: A Critique of Ireland's Draft Law on Surrogacy. [Invited Paper], Reforming Surrogacy Laws: Future Directions and Possibilities, London, U.K , 06-JUN-19 - 06-JUN-19. [Details]
(2019) Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) Annual Conference,
Brian Tobin (2019) Female Same-Sex Couples and the Non-Regulation of Home-Insemination in Ireland: The Case for Reform. [International Refereed Conference], Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) Annual Conference, Leeds, U.K , 05-APR-19 - 05-APR-19. [Details]
(2018) Same-Sex Relationships, A New Revolutionary Era and the Influence of Legal and Social Change,
Brian Tobin (2018) Marriage Equality via Referendum in Ireland: A Politically Opportune Route to Recognition?. [Invited Paper], Same-Sex Relationships, A New Revolutionary Era and the Influence of Legal and Social Change, Northumbria, U.K , 10-SEP-18 - 10-SEP-18. [Details]
(2018) Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference,
Brian Tobin (2018) Forging a Surrogacy Framework for Ireland: A Critique of Current Legislative Proposals. [International Refereed Conference], Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference, London, U.K , 07-SEP-18 - 07-SEP-18. [Details]
(2018) Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) Annual Conference,
Brian Tobin (2018) The General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017: A Hybrid Model for the Regulation of Surrogacy in Ireland. [International Refereed Conference], Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) Annual Conference, Bristol, U.K , 27-MAR-18 - 27-MAR-18. [Details]
(2018) Families through Surrogacy Conference,
Brian Tobin (2018) Workable Domestic Surrogacy in Ireland. [Invited Paper], Families through Surrogacy Conference, Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland , 11-MAR-18 - 11-MAR-18. [Details]
(2017) Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference,
Brian Tobin (2017) Marriage Equality in Ireland and Australia: Separate Jurisdictions, Similar Politics. [International Refereed Conference], Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland , 06-SEP-17 - 06-SEP-17. [Details]
(2017) Adults and Children in Postmodern Societies - International Family Law Conference,
Brian Tobin (2017) Social Families: Adoption, Step and Foster Families in Ireland. [Invited Paper], Adults and Children in Postmodern Societies - International Family Law Conference, Brussels, Belgium , 06-JUL-17 - 07-JUL-17. [Details]
(2016) Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference 2016,
Brian Tobin (2016) Pre-birth Approval of Surrogacy Arrangements: A Statutory Model for Ireland?. [Conference Paper], Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference 2016, Waterford , 18-NOV-16 - 20-NOV-16. [Details]
(2016) Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference,
Brian Tobin (2016) Surrogacy Legislation, the Child's Constitutional Rights and the Irish Judiciary. [International Refereed Conference], Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference, Oxford, U.K , 09-SEP-16 - 09-SEP-16. [Details]
(2016) Surrogacy - Forging a Legal and Policy Framework for Ireland,
Brian Tobin (2016) Too Much, Too Soon: Ireland's Premier Surrogacy Proposals. [Conference Paper], Surrogacy - Forging a Legal and Policy Framework for Ireland, NUI Galway , 12-MAR-16 - 12-MAR-16. [Details]
(2015) The Future of Registered Partnerships,
Brian Tobin (2015) The Future of Civil Partnership in the Republic of Ireland. [Invited Paper], The Future of Registered Partnerships, Cambridge, U.K , 10-JUL-15 - 11-JUL-15. [Details]
(2015) Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference 2015,
Brian Tobin (2015) The Marriage Equality Referendum 2015: Constitutionally Mandatory or Politically Opportune. [Conference Paper], Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference 2015, Galway , 27-NOV-15 - 29-NOV-15. [Details]
(2014) Rights on the Move - Rainbow Families in Europe,
Brian Tobin (2014) Same-Sex Couples and Legislative Proposals for the Regulation of Assisted Human Reproduction in Ireland. [International Refereed Conference], Rights on the Move - Rainbow Families in Europe, Trento, Italy , 16-OCT-14 - 17-OCT-14. [Details]
(2012) Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference 2012,
Brian Tobin (2012) The Efficacy of Ireland's Cohabitation Regime. [Conference Paper], Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference 2012, Dublin, Ireland , 16-NOV-12 - 18-NOV-12. [Details]

Database

  Year Publication
(2017) Formalisation of Legal Family Formats in Ireland.
Brian Tobin (2017) Formalisation of Legal Family Formats in Ireland. Paris: INED Database [Details]
(2017) Parenting and Legal Family Formats in Ireland.
Brian Tobin (2017) Parenting and Legal Family Formats in Ireland. Paris: INED Database [Details]
(2017) Splitting Up and Legal Family Formats in Ireland.
Brian Tobin (2017) Splitting Up and Legal Family Formats in Ireland. Paris: INED Database [Details]

Electronic Article

  Year Publication
(2022) Regulating Domestic Surrogacy in Ireland: Is the Process too Perilous for Intended Parents?.
Brian Tobin (2022) Regulating Domestic Surrogacy in Ireland: Is the Process too Perilous for Intended Parents?. BioNews Electronic Article [Details]
(2019) Ireland's Proposed Surrogacy Laws fail to acknowledge International Arrangements.
Brian Tobin (2019) Ireland's Proposed Surrogacy Laws fail to acknowledge International Arrangements. BioNews Electronic Article [Details]
(2019) Long-awaited surrogacy laws still won't recognise many parents.
Brian Tobin (2019) Long-awaited surrogacy laws still won't recognise many parents. Dublin: TheJournal.ie Electronic Article [Details]
(2018) Donor-conceived children: It's time to ban anonymous sperm donation.
Brian Tobin (2018) Donor-conceived children: It's time to ban anonymous sperm donation. Dublin: TheJournal.ie Electronic Article [Details]
(2017) Surrogacy proposals would make process costly, time consuming and frustrating.
Brian Tobin (2017) Surrogacy proposals would make process costly, time consuming and frustrating. Dublin: TheJournal.ie Electronic Article [Details]
(2017) We still don't have crucial parental rights for same-sex married couples.
Brian Tobin (2017) We still don't have crucial parental rights for same-sex married couples. Dublin: TheJournal.ie Electronic Article [Details]
(2016) Australia doesn't need a plebiscite on same-sex marriage - Ireland's experience shows why.
Brian Tobin (2016) Australia doesn't need a plebiscite on same-sex marriage - Ireland's experience shows why. Melbourne, Australia: The Conversation Electronic Article [Details]
(2016) Lessons in Love: What Australia can Learn from Ireland about Legalising Same-Sex Marriage.
Brian Tobin (2016) Lessons in Love: What Australia can Learn from Ireland about Legalising Same-Sex Marriage. Australia: Policy Forum Electronic Article [Details]
(2015) Ireland may vote yes, but it never needed a referendum on same-sex marriage.
Brian Tobin (2015) Ireland may vote yes, but it never needed a referendum on same-sex marriage. London, United Kingdom: LSE EUROPP Blog Electronic Article [Details]
(2015) Why Ireland should not have needed a referendum on gay marriage.
Brian Tobin (2015) Why Ireland should not have needed a referendum on gay marriage. London, United Kingdom: The Conversation Electronic Article [Details]

Invited Seminars

  Year Publication
(2024) Surrogacy and Filiation under Irish Law.
Brian Tobin (2024) Surrogacy and Filiation under Irish Law. Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain: Invited Seminars [Details]
(2018) A Critique of Current Legislative Proposals for the Regulation of Surrogacy in the Republic of Ireland.
Brian Tobin (2018) A Critique of Current Legislative Proposals for the Regulation of Surrogacy in the Republic of Ireland. Cardiff Law School Research Seminar Series: Invited Seminars [Details]
(2017) Marriage Equality in Ireland: Comparative Lessons for Australia?.
Brian Tobin (2017) Marriage Equality in Ireland: Comparative Lessons for Australia?. Gender and Law at Durham Workshop: Invited Seminars [Details]
(2014) Same-Sex Couples and Assisted Reproduction: Proposals for the Republic of Ireland.
Brian Tobin (2014) Same-Sex Couples and Assisted Reproduction: Proposals for the Republic of Ireland. Kingston Law School Research Seminar Series: Invited Seminars [Details]

Media

  Year Publication
(2024) Surrogacy and DAHR Interview, Newstalk Breakfast, Newstalk FM, 8th October 2024.
Brian Tobin (2024) Surrogacy and DAHR Interview, Newstalk Breakfast, Newstalk FM, 8th October 2024. Media [Details]
(2023) Surrogacy Interview, Newstalk Breakfast, Newstalk FM, 29th August 2023.
Brian Tobin (2023) Surrogacy Interview, Newstalk Breakfast, Newstalk FM, 29th August 2023. Media [Details]
(2023) Eight years after marriage referendum, all is not changed utterly, The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk FM, 14th June 2023.
Brian Tobin (2023) Eight years after marriage referendum, all is not changed utterly, The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk FM, 14th June 2023. Media [Details]
(2022) Surrogacy Interview, Newstalk Breakfast, Newstalk FM, 15th November 2022.
Brian Tobin (2022) Surrogacy Interview, Newstalk Breakfast, Newstalk FM, 15th November 2022. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2021) Civil Partnership can Co-Exist with Marriage, Moncrieff, Newstalk FM, 1st December 2021.
Brian Tobin (2021) Civil Partnership can Co-Exist with Marriage, Moncrieff, Newstalk FM, 1st December 2021. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2021) Unmarried Fathers and Guardianship Rights, Kerry Today with Jerry O'Sullivan, Radio Kerry, 8th November 2021.
Brian Tobin (2021) Unmarried Fathers and Guardianship Rights, Kerry Today with Jerry O'Sullivan, Radio Kerry, 8th November 2021. Kerry: Media [Details]
(2021) Unmarried Fathers and Guardianship Law Reform, The Tommy Marren Show, Midwest Radio, 8th November 2021.
Brian Tobin (2021) Unmarried Fathers and Guardianship Law Reform, The Tommy Marren Show, Midwest Radio, 8th November 2021. Mayo: Media [Details]
(2020) Unmarried Fathers and Guardianship Law Reform, Déise Today with Damien Tiernan, WLR FM, 30th July 2020.
Brian Tobin (2020) Unmarried Fathers and Guardianship Law Reform, Déise Today with Damien Tiernan, WLR FM, 30th July 2020. Waterford: Media [Details]
(2019) Surrogacy Interview, Newstalk Breakfast, Newstalk FM, 7th August 2019.
Brian Tobin (2019) Surrogacy Interview, Newstalk Breakfast, Newstalk FM, 7th August 2019. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2019) Surrogacy Interview, The Morning Show, East Coast FM, 12th March 2019.
Brian Tobin (2019) Surrogacy Interview, The Morning Show, East Coast FM, 12th March 2019. Wicklow: Media [Details]
(2019) Surrogacy Interview, Moncrieff, Newstalk FM, 11th March 2019.
Brian Tobin (2019) Surrogacy Interview, Moncrieff, Newstalk FM, 11th March 2019. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2018) Surrogacy Debate, This Week, RTE Radio 1, 25th February 2018.
Brian Tobin (2018) Surrogacy Debate, This Week, RTE Radio 1, 25th February 2018. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2017) Surrogacy Interview, Morning Focus, Clare FM, 1st November 2017.
Brian Tobin (2017) Surrogacy Interview, Morning Focus, Clare FM, 1st November 2017. Media [Details]
(2017) Parental Rights for Same-Sex Couples, Global Village, Newstalk FM, 8th July 2017.
Brian Tobin (2017) Parental Rights for Same-Sex Couples, Global Village, Newstalk FM, 8th July 2017. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2016) Surrogacy Q&A, Ireland AM, TV3 Ireland, 14th March 2016.
Brian Tobin (2016) Surrogacy Q&A, Ireland AM, TV3 Ireland, 14th March 2016. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2016) Surrogacy Interview, The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk FM, 11th March 2016.
Brian Tobin (2016) Surrogacy Interview, The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk FM, 11th March 2016. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2016) Surrogacy Interview, Galway Talks with Keith Finnegan, Galway Bay FM, 8th March 2016.
Brian Tobin (2016) Surrogacy Interview, Galway Talks with Keith Finnegan, Galway Bay FM, 8th March 2016. Galway: Media [Details]
(2015) Ireland's Marriage Equality Referendum, News Pulse, Channel NewsAsia, 22nd May 2015.
Brian Tobin (2015) Ireland's Marriage Equality Referendum, News Pulse, Channel NewsAsia, 22nd May 2015. Singapore: Media [Details]
(2014) The Complexity of International Surrogacy Arrangements, Galway Talks with Ollie Turner, Galway Bay FM, 11th August 2014.
Brian Tobin (2014) The Complexity of International Surrogacy Arrangements, Galway Talks with Ollie Turner, Galway Bay FM, 11th August 2014. Galway: Media [Details]

Newspaper Articles

  Year Publication
(2024) Giving power of veto to surrogates is surprising...and wrong.
Brian Tobin (2024) Giving power of veto to surrogates is surprising...and wrong. Cork: Irish Examiner Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2024) Laws on guardianship must be reconsidered.
Brian Tobin (2024) Laws on guardianship must be reconsidered. Cork: Irish Examiner Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2024) Committee is right to recommend a conservative approach to assisted dying.
Brian Tobin and Diarmuid Kilgallen (2024) Committee is right to recommend a conservative approach to assisted dying. Cork: Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2023) Why marriage might no longer be the only basis of 'family'.
Brian Tobin (2023) Why marriage might no longer be the only basis of 'family'. Cork: Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2023) Eight years after marriage referendum, all is not changed utterly.
Brian Tobin (2023) Eight years after marriage referendum, all is not changed utterly. Cork: Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2023) Most popular surrogacy destinations could be banned under new Irish law.
Brian Tobin (2023) Most popular surrogacy destinations could be banned under new Irish law. Dublin: Business Post: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2022) Proposed laws discourage surrogacy arrangements here.
Brian Tobin (2022) Proposed laws discourage surrogacy arrangements here. Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2021) Civil partnership can co-exist with marriage.
Brian Tobin (2021) Civil partnership can co-exist with marriage. Cork: Irish Examiner Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2021) Ireland's approach to surrogacy law needs a rebirth.
Brian Tobin (2021) Ireland's approach to surrogacy law needs a rebirth. Cork: Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2020) Oh Father, where art thou? How unmarried fathers can get a raw deal due to outdated laws.
Brian Tobin (2020) Oh Father, where art thou? How unmarried fathers can get a raw deal due to outdated laws. Cork: Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2020) Some families still left behind despite legal developments.
Brian Tobin (2020) Some families still left behind despite legal developments. Cork : Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2019) A noble campaign trying to reach very complex objectives.
Brian Tobin (2019) A noble campaign trying to reach very complex objectives. Cork: Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2019) Ireland should follow Britain's lead in surrogacy law reform.
Brian Tobin (2019) Ireland should follow Britain's lead in surrogacy law reform. Cork: Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2019) Need to reform sperm donor law hits home.
Brian Tobin (2019) Need to reform sperm donor law hits home. Cork: Irish Examiner: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2018) Women in same-sex marriages still not both officially parents.
Brian Tobin (2018) Women in same-sex marriages still not both officially parents. Cork: Irish Examiner: Irish Examiner Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2016) Pre-birth judicial approval could be surrogacy answer.
Brian Tobin (2016) Pre-birth judicial approval could be surrogacy answer. Dublin: Irish Times: Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2015) No ill effects from being raised by same-sex parents.
Brian Tobin (2015) No ill effects from being raised by same-sex parents. Dublin: Irish Times: Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2015) Fine Gael and Labour's approach to marriage equality was crude, uncertain and politically opportune.
Brian Tobin (2015) Fine Gael and Labour's approach to marriage equality was crude, uncertain and politically opportune. Dublin: Irish Times: Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2014) Why Ireland needs to set up a sperm bank.
Brian Tobin (2014) Why Ireland needs to set up a sperm bank. Dublin: Irish Times: Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]

Policy Contribution

  Year Publication
(2022) Oral Presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on International Surrogacy.
Brian Tobin (2022) Oral Presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on International Surrogacy. Leinster House, Dublin: Policy Contribution [Details]
(2019) Participation in the U.K. Regional Consultation on the Verona Principles (Invited Expert for Ireland).
Brian Tobin (2019) Participation in the U.K. Regional Consultation on the Verona Principles (Invited Expert for Ireland). Australia House, London: Policy Contribution [Details]
(2018) Oral Presentation to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Surrogacy.
Brian Tobin (2018) Oral Presentation to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Surrogacy. Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London: Policy Contribution [Details]
(2018) Oral Briefing to the Oireachtas on the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.
Brian Tobin (2018) Oral Briefing to the Oireachtas on the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015. Leinster House, Dublin: Policy Contribution [Details]
(2014) Oral Presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on the General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2014.
Brian Tobin (2014) Oral Presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on the General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2014. Leinster House, Dublin: Policy Contribution [Details]
(2014) Submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on the General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2014.
Brian Tobin (2014) Submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on the General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2014. Leinster House, Dublin: Policy Contribution [Details]

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2024 Shortlisted for the Society of Legal Scholars Margaret Brazier Prize for Outstanding Scholarship Society of Legal Scholars
2024 Finalist, Legal Educator of the Year Dye and Durham Irish Law Awards
2024 Research Capacity Building Grant OVPEDI, University of Galway
2023 University of Galway CBPPL Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning CBPPL, University of Galway
2023 CBPPL Research Support Fund CBPPL, University of Galway
2023 Finalist, Legal Educator of the Year Dye and Durham Irish Law Awards
2022 Society of Legal Scholars - Family Law Subject Section Society of Legal Scholars
2021 Department of Justice (Ireland) - Tender for Research Services Department of Justice
2021 NUI Galway CBPPL Dean's Award for Inclusive Teaching CBPPL, NUI Galway
2020 Charlemont Grant Royal Irish Academy
2019 IRC Creative Connections Award Irish Research Council
2012 TCD Law School Arthur Cox Bursary School of Law, Trinity College Dublin

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Society of Legal Scholars Member /
Irish Association of Law Teachers Member /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Society of Legal Scholars EDI Committee Committee Member 01-OCT-23 / 30-SEP-24
University of Galway Research Ethics Committee Committee Member 01-SEP-19 / 31-AUG-24

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
2015 University of Galway PG Cert in Teaching and Learning in HE Education
2015 Trinity College Dublin PhD Law

Consultancy

  Client Description
DG Justice of the EU Commission
Invited National Expert (Ireland) for an Impact Study on a Possible EU Legislative Initiative to Regulate Parenthood

Community Engagement

  Title Type From / To
Board Membership TREOIR (NGO) 01-MAY-22 /

Teaching Interests



 

Current Postgraduate Students (Research)

  Student Degree Type Type
Patricia Brannick Doctorate - Ph.D. In Law Supervisor
Aoife O'Donovan Doctorate - Structured Ph.D. in the College of Business, Law & Public Policy Supervisor

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
2014- Equity I LW263
2014- Family and Child Law LW3149
2015-2019 Tort Law LW262
2014- Family and Child Law LW3150