Those who have experienced Ireland’s Civil Legal Aid system are being encouraged to engage with the group who have been tasked with reviewing the effectiveness of the scheme.
It comes as the review group announce the deadline for input from stakeholders and members of the public on the review has been extended until 28 February.
This review of the Civil Legal Aid system in Ireland was announced last year by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and is the first review of the scheme since it was established over forty years.
Currently, the Civil Legal Aid system is the primary way that citizens on low incomes can access legal support for cases, largely those relating to family issues such as divorce, separation, child custody and maintenance.
This vital legal resource impacts on thousands of cases in the Irish courts every year.
Announcing the extension, former Chief Justice Frank Clarke, Chair of the Review Group said: “Many people who are facing legal issues such as separation, divorce, maintenance or child custody issues find themselves concerned about the legal costs of going to court and rely on the civil legal aid system to support them through the process.
“The feedback we have gotten suggests this is a crucial lifeline to thousands annually. Now, we are reviewing the frame of reference for the civil legal aid system and asking if it appropriately addresses the needs of those who need it.”
“For example, should this support be extended to citizens facing into housing, employment or other issues not currently covered by the scheme? In this time of rapid increases in the cost of living, including housing and energy, should the thresholds for accessing civil legal aid be revised?
“The Review Group is grateful to all those who have shared their views already. However, we also realise that some organisations and individuals want some additional time to reflect on and finalise their own responses, and we are happy to facilitate this.
“This feedback from both stakeholder organisations and ordinary citizens will inform the work of the review group, including the potential for further engagement with stakeholders. So it is very important that those who have an opinion on, or experience of the civil legal aid system take whatever time they can to engage with the consultation.”
Echoing the Mr Justice Clarke’s calls for participation, Minister for Justice Simon Harris said:
“I’m really pleased that this extension will give more people the opportunity to take part in the consultation.
“It’s important for us as legislators and policy makers to hear from the people who will be affected by our decisions and we want to ensure that as many people as possible get the chance to have their voices heard.
“The Civil Legal Aid Scheme is integral to ensuring people on low incomes have fair access to justice.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of this scheme to ensure that the support it provides is accessible, fair and effective.
“If you or your organisation has a view on how access to justice could be improved for people on low incomes or who may feel marginalised in other ways, I would encourage you to take part in the consultation.”