Law Society calls for additional investment in justice system in Budget 2026
Increased investment needed to make the justice system deliver for the country and those who need it most – Law Society of Ireland
The Law Society of Ireland has today outlined a series of recommendations to Government ahead of Budget 2026, warning that the Irish justice system is underfunded, overstretched, and in need of reform.
Many people face long delays in accessing justice due to an ever-growing backlog of cases. Given the infrastructural and geopolitical challenges facing the country, the Law Society is urging the government to invest in the justice system.
The Law Society is calling for:
- Greater investment in courts infrastructure, legal aid, and family law services to ensure fair and equal access to justice.
- Acceleration of the Government-led eConveyancing project to unlock structural inefficiencies and delays in the process of buying and selling property.
- Measures to safeguard the sustainable delivery of legal services, particularly in rural communities.
- The establishment of the Mediation Council of Ireland, as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are usually less costly, less stressful, and faster than going to court.
Law Society Director General, Mark Garrett, said:
“The justice system in Ireland has been underfunded for years. Court cases currently take at least 1.5 times longer than the European average due to persistent under-resourcing and structural inefficiencies. Sustained and targeted investment in areas such as digitisation and court infrastructure is urgently needed.
“A strong and well-funded justice system ensures equal access to justice, supports the economy, and protects democracy. It is essential that Government prioritises this in Budget 2026.”
He also highlighted the need to secure the future of legal services across the country:
“At present, 65% of sole practitioners are aged 50 or older, and several counties had no trainee solicitors last year. With Ireland’s population growing, action is needed to
ensure people across Ireland can access legal services in their community in the years ahead.”
On conveyancing reform, the Law Society Director-General stressed the importance of modernisation, stating:
“Outdated systems and legislation are contributing to costly delays for homebuyers and sellers. eConveyancing has the potential to speed up property transactions significantly while reducing unnecessary stress for consumers. Given the scale of housing and infrastructure challenges, reform in this area cannot wait.”
Recommendations in the Law Society’s pre-budget submission are costed. A number of recommendations do not require additional expenditure.
“The Law Society is advocating for a fair and just legal system that serves the needs of all by making justice more accessible,” he said.