21 October 2021
The Minister of State for Law Reform, Youth Justice and Immigration, James Browne TD, has launched the 2020 Annual Report of the Legal Aid Board. The Legal Aid Board is a statutory independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to people of modest means in accordance with the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995.
Launching the report, Minister Browne said,
“I welcome the opportunity to launch the 2020 Annual Report of the Legal Aid Board. This will be the last Report under the current Chairperson, Mr. Phillip O’Leary, who will complete his second term of office along with several other members this month. They have seen the Board through the 40th Anniversary of its establishment in 1979 as it now approaches half a century of operation.
“On behalf of the Government, I wish to thank Mr. O’Leary, Chief Executive, Mr. John McDaid, and all staff members for their hard work and dedication over the past five years.”
The Minister continued,
“My Department is grateful to the Board for its delivery of key supports to citizens as part of the Government’s response to COVID-19. The Board showed ongoing professionalism and commitment to ensuring access to justice for those of limited means throughout the pandemic and took specific measures to assist those at increased risk of domestic violence. These included setting up a Legal and Mediation Information Helpline and the establishment of a duty solicitor service in Dublin to ensure that no domestic violence case eligible for legal aid was left without representation.
“During a difficult year, the Board still provided assistance to almost 17,000 new clients. Notwithstanding the possible impact of COVID-19 on demand for services, I welcome the reduction in the number of people waiting for a first appointment with a solicitor, with 61% of applicants either being taken on as a priority case or referred to a private solicitor without going on a waiting list at all.”
The Minister welcomed the Board’s active role in the forthcoming review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, the terms of reference of which are currently being finalised. The Civil Legal Aid Scheme helps people of limited means with legal advice and representation to resolve their civil and family disputes.
The Minister also welcomed the work of the Board on the Abhaile scheme, which provides financial and legal assistance for people experiencing insolvency and who are in danger of having their homes repossessed. In 2019, the Government approved a further three-year extension of Abhaile, with earmarked funding until the end of 2022.
Finally, Minister Browne thanked the Board for its input into the planning and rollout of the Department’s Supporting a Victim’s Journey plan to implement the recommendations of the O'Malley Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses In the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences, which is already introducing important reforms in this area.