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For a number of reasons, the next twelve months represent a golden (and rare) opportunity for comprehensive reform of Ireland’s system of civil legal aid and to resolve a multifaceted legal aid crisis:

  • In July 2025, the Minister for Justice published the reports to emerge from the Review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme which was the first comprehensive examination of civil legal aid in Ireland in almost 50 years. A minority report prepared by FLAC Chief Executive Eilis Barry and supported by Professor Thomas O’Malley SC was submitted to the Minister.
  • The Department of Justice and the OECD recently completed Ireland’s first national Legal Needs Survey, the full results of which are awaited.
  • Ireland must implement the EU Migration Pact by mid-2026. This will require the State to provide ‘legal counselling’ to applicants for international protection, alongside sweeping changes to the application process.
  • Ireland’s EU Commissioner, Michael McGrath, holds the Justice Portfolio (which includes responsibility for democracy, the rule of law, equality, civil society, fundamental rights and consumer protection). Ireland will hold the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026 and has the opportunity to make access to justice and the rule of a law a core theme of the presidency.

Confirmed Conference Speakers include:

  • Síofra O’Leary, Former President of the European Court of Human Rights (Keynote Address).
  • EU Commissioner Michael McGrath.
  • The Chief Justice, The Hon. Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell.
  • Liam Herrick, IHREC Chief Commissioner.
  • Professor Gerry Whyte, TCD.
  • Professor Áine Ryall, UCC.

Break-out Panel Discussions and Workshops will include:

  • Access to Justice for Travellers.
  • Legal Aid, Accessibility & Disability Justice.
  • Access to Justice for Migrants & International Protection Applicants.
  • Access to Justice for People in Prison.
  • Environmental Justice.
  • Access to Justice for Victims of Domestic Violence.
  • Legal Aid, Administrative Decisions & Quasi-Judicial Tribunals.
  • FLAC Student Societies & the Campaign for Civil Legal Aid Reform.

Full Programme to Follow.