First-of-its-kind survey finds ‘ubiquitous’ legal need in Ireland

The preliminary findings from the EU-funded project, which involves Ireland, Italy, Malta and the Netherlands, were published yesterday.

The most common types of justice problems experienced in Ireland were related to product issues (45 per cent), services (40 per cent), money and debt problems (35 per cent), problems with neighbours (33 per cent) and housing (31 per cent).

Of those who reached an outcome in a resolution process, 71 per cent perceived the process as fair to all parties.

Nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) of those who faced a justice problem in the last two years experienced at least an impact as a result, the most frequent being stress or emotional strain (55 per cent), loss of money (34 per cent), deterioration in mental health (34 per cent) and loss of confidence or fear (27 per cent).

In terms of legal capability and empowerment, 84 per cent of people who experienced a justice problem said they understood or came to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Three-quarters knew where to get good information and advice about resolving issues, two-thirds were able to get all the expert held they needed, and 73 per cent were confident they could achieve a fair outcome.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “The evidence from this survey is crucial to identifying unmet needs, informing future reforms, and monitoring progress towards a more people-centred justice system.

“I look forward to exploring how the learnings from this project can inform and enhance the many reforms already underway in my department, where improving access to justice is a priority.

“These include the ongoing implementation of the family justice strategy and Family Courts Act, the Courts Service modernisation programme, our Zero Tolerance strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and consideration of the outputs of the civil legal aid review.”