Mark Garrett

The solicitors’ body is calling for greater investment in courts infrastructure, legal aid and family law services to ensure fair and equal access to justice, amid long court delays and a growing backlog of cases.

It also seeks measures to safeguard the sustainable delivery of legal services, particularly in rural communities.

Its recommendations also include acceleration of the government-led eConveyancing project to unlock structural inefficiencies and delays in the process of buying and selling property, and the establishment of the promised Mediation Council of Ireland.

Mark Garrett, director general of the Law Society, said: “The justice system in Ireland has been underfunded for years.

“Court cases currently take at least one-and-a-half times longer than the European average due to persistent under-resourcing and structural inefficiencies. Sustained and targeted investment in areas such as digitisation and court infrastructure is urgently needed.

“A strong and well-funded justice system ensures equal access to justice, supports the economy, and protects democracy. It is essential that government prioritises this in Budget 2026.”

Highlighting the need to secure the future of legal services across the country, he said: “At present, 65 per cent of sole practitioners are aged 50 or older, and several counties had no trainee solicitors last year.

“With Ireland’s population growing, action is needed to ensure people across Ireland can access legal services in their community in the years ahead.”

On conveyancing reform, he said: “Outdated systems and legislation are contributing to costly delays for homebuyers and sellers.

“eConveyancing has the potential to speed up property transactions significantly while reducing unnecessary stress for consumers. Given the scale of housing and infrastructure challenges, reform in this area cannot wait.”

The Law Society’s pre-budget submission is costed and includes a number of recommendations which do not require additional expenditure.

Mr Garrett concluded: “The Law Society is advocating for a fair and just legal system that serves the needs of all by making justice more accessible.”