President of the Law Society, Eamon Harrington, said: “We welcome publication of the review today. It is the first review of the Civil Legal Aid scheme since its introduction in 1979.

“The right of access to justice is accepted as a constitutional principle and a right under the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Without it, citizens are unable to have their voice heard, to exercise their rights, to challenge discrimination, or to hold decision-makers to account.

“The availability of an effective system of civil legal aid which ensures that citizens of limited means can access legal advice and representation is a core tenet of a functioning, democratic society.

“The scope, financing, and administration of civil legal aid requires urgent reform. The fundamental shortcomings inherent in the current civil legal aid system, include the limited scope of matters covered, the very narrow financial eligibility criteria governing access to the scheme and the low number of solicitors participating in the scheme.

“I’d like to thank Ms. Áine Hynes, the Law Society nominee to the Group, and all those involved under the Chairmanship of former Chief Justice Mr Frank Clarke SC for their work and dedication. We are pleased to see the review published and will now examine the recommendations in detail.”