Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any engagement her Department has had with stakeholders in relation to the contribution of the legal profession to the sustainability of the legal aid service.
Minister of Justice: Sustainability of legal aid services is dependent upon the availability of quality legal services at the point of need. While this is not a matter for my Department alone, I recognise that proper, proportionate remuneration contributes to ensuring an enduring profession and effective access to justice.
Last year I announced a 16% increase in criminal, civil and family legal aid fees, and a range of other measures to support the sustainability of the profession.
In March 2025, I approved the establishment of a Criminal Legal Aid Working Group, independently chaired by His Honour Judge Burgess, to develop advisory proposals to ensure the fee structure is sustainable, resilient and consistent with the changing landscape of the criminal justice system. As part of that process, my officials have had extensive and ongoing engagement with representatives from the Criminal Bar Association and the Solicitors Criminal Bar Association to develop and progress proposals aimed at securing the viability of the legal professions, sustainability of the legal aid service and access to justice for citizens.
In parallel, my Department will launch public consultations on the scope of legal aid, merits testing and financial eligibility. These consultations have been shaped by an initial targeted Call for Evidence and the extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken through the Foundational Review and are designed to give further opportunities for stakeholders to contribute views and evidence, helping to ensure that legal aid remains sustainable, targeted, and responsive to need.
ENDS
Your MLA 