Naomi Long

Justice minister Naomi Long has published two public engagement papers as part of the ‘Enabling Access to Justice’ reform programme.

Among the areas about which the Department is keen to gather responses are rules relating to the financial eligibility tests for legal aid, including for asylum seekers and immigrants, how best victims of domestic abuse can access legal aid, and contributions to legal aid fees.

Launching the documents, Mrs Long said: “Legal aid in Northern Ireland exists to help those who cannot afford their own legal help, advice or representation to access justice at their point of need.

“I believe it is a fundamental part of a properly functioning justice system, so it is only right and proper that the Department ensures it is delivering to those who need it.

“The Department of Justice recently conducted a fundamental review of legal aid, including a call for evidence and stakeholder engagement.

“The responses we received suggested the current system is slow, complex and not easily understood; often creating barriers that deter many people from actually seeking this help.

“My Department has now identified a number of potential approaches to make the application process, and particularly the rules regarding financial eligibility, simpler, faster and fairer.

“These options are by no means final policy decisions; I am seeking views, insights and perspectives to shape well-informed and proportionate reforms capable of delivering meaningful improvements to the justice system.”

Both engagement exercises will run for eight weeks, closing on 20 May.