Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced the appointment of Nuala Jackson SC as chair of the Legal Aid Board for the period 2021 to 2026. 

Ms Jackson served as an ordinary member of the outgoing Legal Aid Board from 2016-2021. 

The minister also announced the appointment of six new members of the board, and the re-appointment of six of the outgoing members.

The new appointees are:

• Liam Ryan (solicitor),
• Patrick Durcan (retired judge of the District Court),
• Michael Bourke (solicitor, retired),
• Marianne Nolan (officer of the Minister for Public Expenditure),
• Catherine Ryan (staff member, Legal Aid Board),
• Niamh O’Hanlon (staff member, Legal Aid Board).

The re-appointed members are:

• Gordon Jeyes (former chief executive, Tusla),
• Freda McKittrick (assistant director, Barnardos),
• Nuala Egan (barrister),
• Catherine Keane (solicitor),
• Tracy O'Keeffe (officer of the Minister for Justice),
• Maurice Lawlor (officer of the Minister for Social Protection).

The minister said that she had every confidence that Nuala Jackson would lead the Legal Aid Board effectively in what will be a period of significant developments, including the forthcoming review of civil legal aid.

Gratitude

She also expressed deep gratitude to Philip O'Leary, the outgoing chair, and the other outgoing members of the board.

“In particular, I wish to pay tribute to the work that was done to maintain the availability of the board's services to vulnerable clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish them well in their future endeavours,” she said.