Louth public asked to participate in consultation on the Civil Legal Aid Scheme

Minister for Justice Simon Harris TD is today encouraging the people of Louth to participate in the consultation on reform of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme before the closing date next month.

Last June, Minister McEntee announced a comprehensive, independent review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme. In December 2022, a public consultation was launched as part of a multi-phase consultation process which will be key to informing the ongoing review.

The consultation involves filling out a short online survey and the deadline for taking part is Friday 3 February 2023. The survey can be accessed at this link. 

Minister Harris said: “The Civil Legal Aid Scheme provides legal aid and advice to people of limited means in civil proceedings, including family law, and is integral to ensuring fair access to justice for all.

“The review is comprehensive in nature, and will assess many aspects of the Scheme currently, in particular how it works to meet the needs of those it is intended to serve. A Review Group has been established which will make recommendations for its future, including in relation to eligibility.

"We are particularly keen to hear from people who have previously interacted with the Civil Legal Aid Scheme. However, we also welcome submissions from anyone who has  a view on how access to justice could be improved for people on low incomes or who may feel marginalised in other ways, for example due to race, ethnicity or gender.” 

This is the first time in its more than 40-year history that the Civil Legal Aid Scheme has been subject to a comprehensive review.

An Independent Civil Legal Aid Review Group – chaired by former Chief Justice, Mr Frank Clarke - was set up last year to undertake the review and the results of the public consultation survey will inform the work of the Group as it considers the current scheme and its future.

The Group is asking members of the public to respond to the survey in relation to the following themes:

1. Awareness of the Scheme
2. Experience of the Scheme
3. Accessing the Scheme
4. What the Scheme should cover
5. Future of the Scheme

The Group’s terms of reference require it to examine all aspects of the current operation of the Scheme and make recommendations regarding the future legal assistance needs of those who cannot afford to access legal advice and representation privately. The responses to this part of the consultation process will inform that work.

Urging the public in Louth to get involved, Mr Clarke said: “This Review is crucial in helping us understand how we can continue to improve the provision of the Civil Legal Aid service.

"In particular, the public consultation will help inform how service providers work on a day-to-day basis and for that reason I would strongly encourage the public to engage with it.”

For more information on the consultation process visit here.