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LAB demand up 15% amid solicitor shortages

The Legal Aid Board’s (LAB) annual report for 2024 shows that 28,050 people accessed civil legal-aid services from law centres last year – an increase of 15% on the previous year. 

The board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to people unable to afford legal representation. 

While most applicants to the board (58%) were seeking help with family-related matters, 11,689 of the total civil legal-aid services last year were for international-protection applications – up 18% on the previous year. 

The report shows that, in 2024, the body’s free family-mediation service helped 2,294 couples to resolve disputes. 

‘Resource deficits’ 

Chief executive Joan Crawford said that the figures showed that the board’s services had “never been more vital”. 

It provides services mainly through a network of 34 full-time law centres and three part-time centres, staffed by solicitors employed by the board. 

The report says, however, that “resource deficits” in its permanent workforce have led to service-availability issues in certain regions. 

“In the past, we could look to meet these demands by appointing private practitioners from our panels. However, some areas are now experiencing shortages with no private practitioners available,” it states, adding that the board is working to resolve these problems. 

IT investment 

The board also warns that its technology infrastructure has not kept pace with advancements in the sector, adding that “a significant investment” in a modern fit-for-purpose IT system is urgently needed. 

The board says that it is engaging with the Department of Justice to “shape and implement” reforms to the family-justice system – including those from the Civil Legal Aid Review. 

It is also preparing to assume full responsibility for the administration of criminal legal aid when called upon to do so. 

Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said that Budget 2026 had provided additional funding of €8 million for the board.