Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Claire Sugden attended this week’s Bar Council meeting in the Bar Library, Belfast.

Liam McCollum QC, chairman of the Bar of Northern Ireland, welcomed Ms Sugden, who outlined her priorities for the next five years of tackling domestic violence, promoting women’s rights, improving mental health services and outcomes for children and young people.

Ms Sugden also heard from the Bar Council on a range of topics such as the upcoming regulatory changes in light of the Legal Complaints and Regulation Act, the Bar’s response to the Review of Civil and Family Justice, and the work of its Pro Bono Committee.

Speaking a day after the meeting, Mr McCollum said: “I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Minister early in the new legal year to discuss the strategic issues facing the profession and the justice system as a whole. Yesterday’s visit enabled the Minister to learn firsthand from practitioners of issues they face each day, from current pressures on the court system, the need for greater access to therapeutic intervention for clients and the importance of meaningful reform which serves the best interests of the public.

“I would like to thank the Minister for taking the time to attend and for her insightful opening remarks and meaningful contributions during the meeting, and look forward to continuing our positive relationship and future collaboration to improve the outcomes for all who come into contact with the justice system.”