Legal rights group welcomes Chief Justice’s focus on access to justice

Legal rights group FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) has warmly welcomed the new Chief Justice’s focus on access to justice and civil justice reform in his speech marking the new legal year.

Mr Justice Frank Clarke was addressing senior judges, lawyers, the Attorney General and representatives of the legal professions and the Courts Service in his new role for the first time.

Eilis Barry, chief executive of FLAC, said: “The comments of the Chief Justice are particularly timely given that the Court Services are embarking on a new strategic plan.

“The Courts Service plays an important role in facilitating access to justice by providing information on the courts system to the public and providing facilities for users of the courts. There is a real need for comprehensive accessible detailed information and guides for lay litigants and people trying to access the court system without assistance. We hope this need will be addressed in this strategic plan.”

Ms Barry added: “Access to justice is broad, encompassing education, legal advice, legal aid, court procedures and access to an accessible effective and timely remedy. Fundamental to securing access to justice is the State funded Legal Aid Board which has seen increased pressure on its services with inadequate funding. We hope that the forthcoming budget will allow for a realistic review of the Legal Aid Board’s resources to meet the growing demands on its services.”

As an example, FLAC said the waiting list for a first appointment with a solicitor stands at 34 weeks in Navan Law Centre, while a second appointment can take over a year in Tallaght Law Centre.

Ms Barry said the Legal Aid Board will also need more resources to realise a commitment to end the requirement for victims of domestic abuse to make a financial contribution for legal aid.

She added: “The Courts are a third arm of government and a functioning democracy needs an accessible and efficient courts system. The Courts Service, together with the Legal Aid Board need to be resourced if the commitment in the programme for Government, the review of the administration of Justice is to be implemented and if the Chief Justice’s concerns are to be acted upon.

“FLAC is happy to be involved in any assessment and/or review of access to justice measures.”