Resources
A New Agenda For Justice
The Law Society is committed to advocating for ambitious reforms and improvements to the justice system that will deliver real benefits to the justice system, the legal sector and wider society. Our policy priorities were set out in A New Agenda for Justice, which was published in late November 2024. These policy priorities aimed to strengthen the legal system, protect vulnerable groups and improve access to justice for all.
A number of the Law Society’s policy proposals featured in the Programme for Government, which was published after this Government was formed in January 2025. These included commitments to investing in the courts system, a review of the Assistant Decision-Making Act, developing a solicitor’s portal for Enduring Power of Attorney applications, restoration of Criminal Legal Aid fees, reforming property law and promoting diversity in the profession.
While their inclusion in the Programme for Government was a significant achievement, it was just the beginning. The Law Society has continued to engage with Government Ministers, senior officials and members of the Dáil and Seanad to secure implementation of these proposals.
Key recommendations
Read an overview of A New Agenda for Justice below or download the full policy recommendations.
Strengthen family justice
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Resource the ambitious plans in the Family Courts Act 2024
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Introduce legislation to provide for the recognition of pre-nuptial agreements
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Fund the Child Law Project to shine a light on child care proceedings
Adequately fund legal aid
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Ensure future viability of the legal aid system
Remove barriers to Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)
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Broaden digital approach to EPA applications with the use of editable, electronic forms
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Accommodate emergency situations
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Amend legislation to ensure it serves the intended purpose
Safeguard small and regional practices
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Establish a rural practice support framework
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Provide targeted business supports
Leverage technology and data to deliver better public services
- Roll out a digital plan to underpin a modern, larger courts system
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Better data collection to improve service delivery
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Establish an electronic document filing system to deliver a paperless court service
Deliver modern courts infrastructure
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Address physical condition and accessibility issues of the courts
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Increase court and judicial staff in line with the recommendations of the OECD and the Report of the Judicial Planning Working Group.
Streamline property transactions
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Improve process for Registration of Property Title
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Standardise Local Authority Requests
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Recognise Established Non-conforming Developments
Create a shared eConveyancing vision
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Drive the implementation of eConveyancing so that it is fully implemented by the end of 2027
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Increase collaboration and transparency on the government-led eConveyancing project
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Prioritise legislative amendments to facilitate eConveyancing
Enhance solicitor training opportunities to promote greater diversity across the profession
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Ensure SUSI grant schemes are compatible with the Law Society’s financial supports for training
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Extend the SUSI grant to the Law Society hybrid programmes to widen the pathways to solicitor training
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Develop an innovative national apprenticeship programme in collaboration with the Apprenticeship Alliance to widen the pool of training organisations and solicitors
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Establish a specific Study Visa Scheme for international students to secure legal education and training contracts
