Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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843. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has received a work-in-progress report on the civil legal aid review; and when the review intends to accept submissions from NGOs and other bodies. [54306/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As committed to in my Justice Plan 2022, I recently announced a comprehensive review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, for the first time in its more than 40-year history. The scheme provides legal aid and advice to people of limited means in civil disputes, including in family law.

The Review Group is being chaired by a former Chief Justice, with expert membership drawn from those who work with marginalised groups, legal practitioners, academics, Department officials and representatives from the Legal Aid Board, which administers the statutory scheme.

I understand the Review Group held its first meeting on 22 June 2022, and its work is now ongoing.

As the Deputy is aware, since its establishment, the Civil Legal Aid Scheme has been a hugely significant and beneficial resource for many people. However, within those 40 years, Irish society has changed, and the demands of the scheme have grown. In order to provide maximum benefit to those it was established to serve, within the finite resources available to fund legal aid, a robust, comprehensive review of the scheme is now timely.

This review will allow for an assessment of how flexible and responsive the scheme is to the needs of those it is intended to serve. The Review Group will make recommendations for its future, including in relation to eligibility. This work is expected to take 12 months. The Review Group will report periodically to me on progress before submitting its final report once its work is completed.

As part of the review process, it is intended that there will be significant consultation, including a public consultation, to ensure that the insights of a range of stakeholders regarding the operation of the scheme – and how best to support those of limited means with legal needs – will inform the work of the Review Group. Capturing the views of those with unmet legal needs will be an important part of the Group’s consultation and engagement.

I understand that the Group has been working on its approach to the consultation and intends to issue a call for submissions from NGOs and other bodies shortly. The Group is also working on a mechanism to capture the views of those who have experience of the civil legal aid scheme or who have applied for it, as well as developing a bespoke method to capture the views of hard-to-reach groups.

I would encourage as many people as possible to participate and have their say on this important matter once the consultation opens.

Ultimately the review should map out a future for the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, one which will provide for a flexible service that has, as far as possible, the capacity and resources to respond to the priority legal assistance needs of those of insufficient means.