Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
536. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide details of any analysis carried out or commissioned by his Department, or bodies under the aegis of his Department, regarding the pilot (details supplied) undertaken by the Legal Aid Board in relation to online family mediation during the Covid-19 pandemic; if this pilot is still underway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24175/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means in the State, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2017. The Act was amended by Section 54 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, which gave the Board the additional responsibility to provide a family mediation service.
Section 3(3) of the Act provides that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.
However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made with the Legal Aid Board, and I am informed that the Legal Aid Board piloted online family mediation in order to deliver its services in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic and to adhere to social distancing restrictions. Since the ending of public health restrictions, the Legal Aid Board’s family mediation service has reverted to primarily in-person mediation.
I am further informed that a review took place in 2021 which was largely positive and, as a result, all mediators are now able to provide online mediation, where required. The Board’s Strategy 2021 – 2023 confirms that it will offer mediation through the use of technology to those that are not within easy reach of its services, where it is appropriate to do so. I understand that the consent of both parties is required before online mediation is offered.
I understand also that the Legal Aid Board surveys its clients to ascertain their views of the Board’s service, including in relation to online mediation.
