We use cookies to collect and analyse information on site performance and usage to improve and customise your experience, where applicable. View our Cookies Policy. Click Accept and continue to use our website or Manage to review and update your preferences.


Consultation opens on civil legal aid scheme as part of review
Former Chief Justice Frank Clarke Pic: Cian Redmond

14 Nov 2022 / justice Print

Consultation opens on civil legal aid scheme

A consultation on how the civil legal-aid scheme can be reformed has been launched, as part of a comprehensive, independent review.

Interested parties are invited to make submissions on the following themes:

  • Types of civil law cases,
  • Jurisdictions covered by the scheme,
  • Eligibility,
  • Financial contribution,
  • Mode of delivery,
  • accessibility,
  • Awareness and assessment of the current scheme,
  • The future.

An Independent Review Group, chaired by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke, will oversee the consultation process. 

Robust scheme

He said: "Throughout my career, I have strived to broaden access to justice across the Irish legal system. Ensuring that we have a fair and robust civil legal aid scheme is key to achieving this.

"We will be considering a number of issues in the review, including eligibility for civil legal aid. This stakeholder consultation will be a valuable opportunity to hear from those most familiar with the scheme about its operation and potential for the future."

A separate, forthcoming consultation will invite members of the public to have their say, while a third is planned that is specifically designed to enable hard-to-reach groups so they, too, can contribute.

The consultation will run from Monday, 14 November 2022 until Friday, 6 January 2023.

Submissions can be made by email to legalaidcivil@justice.ie

 

Gazette Desk
Gazette.ie is the daily legal news site of the Law Society of Ireland