Strengthening Society, Enhancing the Economy, Empowering our Profession
A submission from the Law Society of Ireland for Budget 2026.
The justice system helps people address and resolve common legal issues we all face in our lives. Buying a home, family law, wills or setting up a new business may be the first experience of the justice and legal system for many.
A justice system that works well also boosts Ireland’s reputation around the world, making Ireland more attractive for investment and international cooperation. Right now, though, the justice system is seriously underfunded, which is holding it back from realising its full potential.
This Submission focuses on the need for sustainable investment in the justice system to improve its accessibility and the experience for individuals and businesses. The delivery of improvements to the justice system contribute to business confidence, stronger communities, and a more resilient democracy
Key recommendations
The submission makes recommendations impacting on society, the broader economy and the solicitors' profession. You can see a summary of these below or download the Law Society's Budget 2026 Submission.
- Invest in improved courts’ infrastructure and greater numbers of judges and courts staff to meet the demands of a modern society.
- Extend civil legal aid to cover a wider range of cases and extend eligibility thresholds to appropriate levels.
- Establish the Mediation Council of Ireland.
- Provide funding for the full implementation of the Family Courts Act 2024.
- Invest in child-friendly courts infrastructure.
- Increase criminal legal aid fees to pre-financial crises levels to ensure there is no further reductions in the pool of available legal practitioners for those who need them most.
- Take steps to ensure future viability of the Garda Station Legal Advice Scheme.
- Establish a solicitors’ portal to allow legal professionals to assist those who need help establishing enduring powers of attorney.
- Facilitate the delivery of a modern eConveyancing system.
- Support smaller practices around Ireland in gaining access to small business supports.
- Sustain investment in the Ireland for Law campaign to promote Ireland as a destination for international dispute resolution.
- Provide adequate resources that allow for timely transposition of EU law.
- Extend the SUSI grant to trainee solicitors on part time professional training programmes.
- Establish a dedicated non-EEA visa scheme to allow more people complete their training as solicitors in Ireland.
- Develop a dedicated public sector legal talent pipeline.