Eilis Barry

The independent legal, human rights and equality organisation is today hosting a conference on civil legal aid in conjunction with Trinity College Dublin School of Law, with speakers including justice minister Jim O’Callaghan and Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell.

Speaking ahead of the event, FLAC chief executive Eilis Barry said the system “is failing to meet significant levels of legal need, particularly among people and communities experiencing poverty, deprivation and discrimination”.

Ms Barry authored the minority report which emerged from the government’s review of the civil legal aid system, which FLAC has endorsed.

“A recent review commissioned by the Legal Aid Board and undertaken by the consultancy firm BakerTilly found that resourcing issues are so chronic within the Legal Aid Board that staff are buying IT packages out of their own pocket to allow them to carry out their work,” she said.

“In 2025, the Legal Aid Board had a budget of €64.122m. In 2026, it received an increase of €8m to deal with what the review commissioned by the Legal Aid Board described as creaking ICT infrastructure.

“By contrast, the horse and grey hound industries received €100 million in this and last year’s budget and €58 million has been spent on the Ryder Cup — one million less than what the Legal Aid Board received in 2024.”

She added: “The implementation of the EU Migration Pact will lead to a very significant increase in the Legal Aid Board’s [workload] during 2026.

“There is a real risk that this will push the legal aid system from a state of crisis to one of collapse unless radical reform is instituted.

“Ireland has the resources, expertise and infrastructure to provide drastically improved access to justice services. Comprehensive, meaningful reform is doable, practical and cost-effective.

“In fact, such services are an investment for the individual, society, the courts and the State, and ultimately save money.”

Michael McGrath, the European commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection, is also speaking at today’s conference.

He said: “Justice must be accessible to be real. Access to justice is a pillar of the rule of law and essential for democratic trust, social cohesion and the effective protection of fundamental rights.

“The Free Legal Advice Centres in Ireland have been a long-standing beacon for promoting access to justice and demonstrates Ireland’s tradition of legal aid and civil society engagement.

“Today’s event allows us to reflect on the Irish contribution to a shared European promise — upholding the right to an effective legal remedy and to necessary legal aid as protected in Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

“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, help turn rights into lived realities, and ensure the rule of law is applied in practice where it matters most.

“Member states have a clear responsibility to ensure that national legal aid systems work in practice. The Commission will continue to support, monitor and coordinate these efforts to ensure access to justice delivers for all across the Union.”