Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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667. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has initiated an immediate review of the Legal Aid Board’s capacity to administer the current civil legal aid scheme, as recommended by the Review of Civil Legal Aid; when he expects this review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65870/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to qualifying individuals. The civil legal aid scheme has two parts: a legal advice element and a legal representation element. Eligibility for the scheme is determined by reference to a financial assessment and the merits of the case being taken. The Scheme covers a range of legal issues, including family law, childcare, and other civil matters. In addition, while legal representation is not available for certain matters relating to employment and housing, legal advice can be provided, subject to eligibility criteria being met.

In June 2022, a Civil Legal Aid Review Group under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice Frank Clarke, SC, was established to review the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme. The outputs of the review were published in July 2025 and contained recommendations relating to the income threshold, allowances and other financial aspects of the Scheme. The Review also made recommendations extending the scheme to legal issues which are currently heard before tribunals. Any changes must be considered in the round and the potential implications that such changes might have on the operation of the Scheme as well as forms of legal support available through other fora, such as administrative tribunals and other services.

Having a civil legal aid scheme and a Legal Aid Board which is equipped to meet the changing needs of society is critical to ensuring access to justice, particularly for those who have very modest means. I was pleased to announce, as part of Budget 2026 measures for the justice sector, additional funding of €8 million for the Legal Aid Board. This increase of 12.5% in funding will support a programme of modernisation and increased access to justice for clients of the Board. The detailed application of this funding will now be the subject of further engagement between my Department and the Board.

The recommendations will also have to be considered with due regard to the findings from Ireland’s first legal needs survey, recently completed with the support of the European Commission and the OECD. This survey will provide invaluable insights into the extent of legal need in Ireland. While preliminary results of the survey have been released on gov.ie, further analysis will be required before the full results are published.

I have asked my officials to examine the recommendations, particularly in light of these developments. I will revert to Government in due course with proposals to reform the Scheme.