Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
24. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice how her Department plans to address the growing risk of legal deserts in counties with no or single digit trainee solicitors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8309/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the training and education of the solicitor profession is the statutory function of the Law Society of Ireland under the Solicitors Acts 1954 to 2008. I have no role in that process.
I am, however, aware that the number of solicitors in Ireland has grown significantly in recent years with 23,323 solicitors on the Roll of Solicitors maintained by the Law Society in 2022 and that of that number, 11,652 held practising certificates at the end of December 2022 compared to 9,668 in 2015. Indeed, I understand that in May 2022, the Law Society recorded its largest intake of trainee solicitors since 2008.
The market for legal services is demand led and the key role to be played by the regulator and regulatory legislation is to ensure that any barriers to entry are eliminated to the greatest extent possible, so that the supply of services can meet that demand at least cost to consumers and on as widespread a basis as required.
I am keen to ensure equity of access and entry into the legal professions and greater diversity within the professions, which will also assist in making legal services more accessible.
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA), an independent body under the aegis of my Department, has undertaken a significant amount of work in examining the education and training of solicitors and barristers in the state. On my request, the Authority undertook a statutory report Setting Standards - Legal Professional Education and Training which was published in September 2020.
Following on from this, I requested a further report from the Authority on the economic and other barriers that are faced by young barristers and solicitors following their professional qualification. I asked that the Authority pay particular attention to equity of access and entry to the legal professions, and the objective of achieving greater diversity within the professions. I also sought recommendations in relation to changes that could effectively reform the present system.
The LSRA submitted a report to me last month in accordance with Section 34(1) of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 and as soon as. I have considered the report, it will be published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I will continue to work closely with the Authority and other stakeholders on widening professional legal education provision. I am keen to ensure that the provision of professional legal education is competitive, meets the needs of our economy and society, and provides a viable, affordable pathway into the professions for all who wish to pursue such a course.
Widening access to dispute resolution in Ireland, including legal services, is a priority for me as Minister for Justice. The ongoing review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme is assessing how flexible and responsive the Scheme is to those who need it, including in relation to financial eligibility. I look forward to receiving the final report and considering the recommendations of this review to improve accessibility on a national basis.
