Legal Aid Board Statement on the Review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme

The publication of the Review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme is a welcome opportunity to evaluate the civil legal aid system and to consider how best it can serve the public in the years ahead.

We look forward to engaging with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, and his Department as the recommendations are considered.

As noted in the report:

‘The Legal Aid Board, with its dedicated and professional staff, has accomplished much in the 45 years it has been in existence. It continues to provide an ever expanding service within a challenging environment including, a demand for its services that often exceeds the resources available to provide them, combined with a lack of sufficient investment over many years.’

Notwithstanding these challenges, the Legal Aid Board continues to deliver vital services and remains committed to the continuous improvement of our services, and to ensuring that access to justice is upheld for those who need it most.

Joan Crawford, CEO Legal Aid Board