The President of the Law Society has said she will continue to advocate for access to justice, and work constructively with the Courts Service and others, in the remaining weeks of her term to deal with the challenges posed by new COVID-19 restrictions.
Michele O’Boyle (pictured) was writing in the latest President’s Bulletin, which includes an update on restrictions under level five.
She points out that while regulations implementing the measures have not yet been published, guidance indicates that legal services provided by practising barristers or solicitors are defined as ‘essential’ and exempt from some work and travel restrictions.
Budget allocation
The President has welcomed the Budget 2021 allocation of a record €3 billion to the justice sector, saying it will go a long way towards preserving access to justice in these difficult times.
She particularly welcomed the €158.8 million allocated to the courts system, with €8 million specifically directed towards the modernisation of the courts.
Revenue has also confirmed that the Debt Warehousing Scheme remains available to support businesses experiencing cash flow or trading difficulties arising from COVID-19 restrictions. The scheme allows businesses to ‘park’ PAYE and VAT tax debts arising from the crisis.
Legal aid
Ms O’Boyle says she has heard concerns about “significant delays” in receipt of legal aid payments from criminal proceedings heard in some counties.
As a result, she has written to Pat Gilheaney, Director of Criminal Legal Aid at the Legal Aid Board, seeking information on whether there are delays in the processing of payments linked to COVID-19, and how any such delays are to be addressed.
The President has also pointed to a number of resources on the Law Society website for solicitors looking to renew their professional indemnity insurance (PII).
A full guide to the renewal process for the 2020/2021 indemnity period will be published shortly after 1 November, when confirmed information on insurers participating in the market can be provided.
The bulletin also notes that practice directions HC 87 and HC 88, relating to enduring powers of attorney and wardship respectively, have been reinstituted with effect from 7 October.