Legal Aid Board welcomes publication of Joint Committee Report on Civil Legal Aid

The Legal Aid Board welcomes today's publication of the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration's Report on Civil Legal Aid. The report follows an extensive examination of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme and reflects engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Legal Aid Board.

The Legal Aid Board welcomes the Committee's recognition of the vital role civil legal aid plays in ensuring access to justice and its acknowledgement of the increasing demand for legal aid services. The Committee has highlighted the need for sustained investment, reform and capacity-building to ensure the continued delivery of accessible, high-quality legal aid services throughout the country.

The Committee's report reflects a number of issues raised by the Legal Aid Board during its engagement with the Committee, including:

• the need for adequate and sustainable resourcing of civil legal aid services;
• investment in staffing, recruitment and retention;
• the importance of digital transformation and ICT modernisation;
• the need to review financial eligibility criteria and associated allowances;
• the continued development of mediation as an effective means of early dispute resolution; and
• the importance of ensuring that any future expansion of civil legal aid services is accompanied by the necessary resources and organisational capacity.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Joan Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Board, said:

"I welcome the publication of this report and the careful consideration given by the Committee to the future of civil legal aid in Ireland.

The Legal Aid Board was pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the Committee's work and to share our experience of delivering civil legal aid and family mediation services across the country.

The report recognises the increasing demand for legal aid services and the importance of ensuring that the people who need those services can continue to access them in a timely and effective manner. It also acknowledges the challenges associated with service demand, workforce capacity and the need for continued investment in infrastructure and supports.

The Legal Aid Board remains committed to working with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the Government and all stakeholders to support the ongoing development and reform of civil legal aid services so that access to justice is protected and strengthened for those who rely on our services."

The Committee's report also highlights the important contribution made by Legal Aid Board staff, private practitioners, barristers, mediators and partner organisations in supporting access to justice for people experiencing legal difficulties, including vulnerable individuals and families.

The Legal Aid Board looks forward to continuing its engagement with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and other stakeholders as consideration is given to the recommendations contained in the report and in the Review of Civil Legal Aid.

Media Contact:
Communications Unit
Legal Aid Board
communications@legalaidboard.ie