Trinity’s School of Law in collaboration with FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) hosted a high-level conference on civil legal aid reform in Ireland this week.

The first ever review of Ireland’s Civil Legal Aid Scheme was published in July 2025. The conference, entitled, Civil Legal Aid: From Review to Reform, brought together Ireland’s access to justice stakeholders and experts to respond to the Review and reflect on how meaningful reform can be achieved in this area.

Speakers included:

  • Minister Jim O'Callaghan TD
  • The Chief Justice, The Hon. Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell
  • Prof. Fiona Donson, UCC/FLAC
  • Síofra O’Leary, Former President of the ECtHR
  • Eilis Barry, CEO FLAC
  • EU Commissioner Michael McGrath

A Catalyst for Change

Co-organiser of the event, Professor Gerry Whyte of the School of Law, reflected on the historical significance of the partnership:

"In December 1968, a conference on legal education hosted by Trinity’s Law School was an important catalyst in the development of legal aid in Ireland, as it prompted the establishment of FLAC in April 1969. I hope that this conference, with its focus on reform of the legal aid scheme, will be equally impactful."

Addressing a System in Crisis

FLAC Chief Executive, Eilis Barry, highlighted the urgency of the current situation, noting that the civil legal aid system is failing to meet the needs of those experiencing poverty and discrimination. "First and foremost, civil legal aid is not treated as a fundamental right, a core social service or an investment that will benefit and save money for individuals, communities, the courts and the State. It should be," she stated.

Ms Barry further warned of the pressures facing the Legal Aid Board in 2026 due to the implementation of the EU Migration Pact, noting a "real risk" of system collapse without radical reform.

The European Perspective

European Commissioner Michael McGrath emphasized that access to justice is a central pillar of the rule of law and a requirement under Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. "Justice must be accessible to be real," Commissioner McGrath added. "Civil society organisations, like FLAC, play a crucial role in protecting and advancing access to justice. They support those who would otherwise risk going unheard and help turn rights into lived realities."

The Commissioner reaffirmed that the Commission will continue to monitor and coordinate efforts to ensure that national legal aid systems work effectively in practice across the Union.