Preserving access to justice and bringing the courts into the digital age
Law Society of Ireland welcomes record level of justice sector funding in Budget 2021.
Law Society of Ireland has welcomed a record level of funding announced today for the justice sector, which it says will preserve access to justice during the pandemic and enable the courts system to take advantage of modern technology.
Commenting on the measures announced by Ministers Donohoe and McGrath, President of the Law Society of Ireland Michele O鈥橞oyle said, 鈥淭he allocation of 鈧3 billion to the justice sector is very welcome and, critically, it will go a long way towards preserving access to justice in these difficult times.鈥
鈥淭he Law Society has long advocated for significant investment in digital and ICT capabilities, particularly in the courts system. The complexities of operating during the pandemic accelerated the urgency of this issue,鈥 said Ms O鈥橞oyle. 鈥淚 particularly welcome the announcement of a total gross allocation of 鈧158.8 million for the courts system, with 鈧8 million specifically directed towards a much needed and long awaited Courts Modernisation Programme.鈥
Ms O鈥橞oyle continued, 鈥淥ther Law Society priority issues, such as Criminal Legal Aid and the Legal Aid Board, have also been recognised in today鈥檚 Budget. An additional 鈧3.7 million and 鈧2 million, respectively, for these vital programmes will have an important, positive impact on preserving access to justice.鈥