The Department of Justice is seeking views on opportunities to
simplify and speed up processes relating to legal aid.
Justice Minister has published two public
engagement papers as part of the Enabling Access to Justice
reform programme.
Launching the documents, the Minister said: “Legal aid in
Northern Ireland exists to help those who cannot afford their own
legal help, advice or representation to access justice at their
point of need.
“I believe it is a fundamental part of a properly functioning
justice system, so it is only right and proper that the
Department ensures it is delivering to those who need it.
“The Department of Justice recently conducted a fundamental
review of legal aid, including a call for evidence and
stakeholder engagement.
“The responses we received suggested the current system is slow,
complex and not easily understood; often creating barriers that
deter many people from actually seeking this help.
“My Department has now identified a number of potential
approaches to make the application process, and particularly the
rules regarding financial eligibility, simpler, faster and
fairer.
“These options are by no means final policy decisions; I am
seeking views, insights and perspectives to shape well-informed
and proportionate reforms capable of delivering meaningful
improvements to the justice system.”
Among the areas about which the Department is keen to gather
responses are rules relating to the financial eligibility tests
for legal aid, including for asylum seekers and immigrants, how
best victims of domestic abuse can access legal aid, and
contributions to legal aid fees.
Both engagement exercises will run for eight weeks, closing on 20
May 2026. Responses can be submitted via Citizen Space and via
the Department of Justice website Enabling Access to Justice
Division Legal Aid Engagement Process | Department of Justice
For more information, visit the Department of Justice website or
email clar@justice-ni.gov.uk.
