The professional body for solicitors today congratulated Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan SC, formerly a practising barrister, on his recent appointment as minister for justice, home affairs and migration.

Law Society president Eamon Harrington said: “The ambitious plans for improving the legal and justice system set out in the 2025 programme for government are a significant step in the right direction.

“It is encouraging to see that many of the Law Society’s policy priorities are reflected in government plans in areas including strengthening family justice, property law reform, improving the enduring powers of attorney system, widening access to the legal profession, and safeguarding community-based legal services.

“Criminal justice issues are a central focus in the programme for government, including a welcome commitment to complete a review of the criminal justice system within 12 months. We also welcome the commitment to appoint 20 additional judges in the next year.

“We welcome the renewed commitment to fully restore criminal legal aid fees for the legal profession. This is long overdue, and the Department of Justice must prioritise establishing a clear pathway and timeline for the full restoration of fees, as well as advancing the delivery of reforms of criminal legal aid.”

He continued: “However, the programme for government offers very little detail on civil legal aid reform, which is concerning given the significant need for change in this area.

“Without a clear commitment, the reform of civil legal aid risks being overlooked, leaving vulnerable individuals without the legal assistance they need in critical legal matters.

“While the new government has detailed significant plans to make our legal system more accessible, modern, efficient, and fair, these ambitions must be met with targeted actions and timelines for delivery.

“The successful implementation of the justice priorities in the programme for government will depend on adequate funding, clear policy coordination, and ongoing engagement with legal professionals and stakeholders.

“The Law Society will continue to use the experiences and expertise of thousands of solicitors across the country to inform the development and implementation of justice and law reform issues, and looks forward to playing a constructive role in helping government deliver on its ambitious plans for the justice system.”