Following Budget 2026 announcements, the Law Society of Ireland has said that the €11 million increase in funding for the Courts Service is a positive step towards creating a more efficient and effective justice system. The Law Society also welcomes the full restoration of criminal legal aid fees outlined in the budget.

The Justice Sector Budget 2026 was published today, 8 October 2026, by Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD. 

Law Society Director General, Mark Garrett, said: 

“Budget 2026 will help with some of the most pressing challenges facing the justice system – court delays, access to civil legal aid, the availability of legal representation in criminal cases, and shortcomings in the family justice system. 

“In our Pre-Budget Submission, the Law Society recommended a €10 million increase for the Courts Service; Budget 2026 delivered €11 million. This is much-needed investment for 2026.

“Decades of chronic underfunding for the courts has caused ever-growing delays, inadequate and inaccessible infrastructure, and inefficiencies throughout. Increased investment will have to continue over the lifetime of this Government and beyond to enable the system to work as it should and provide a quality justice experience for court users.

“The Law Society welcomes the commitment to fully restore criminal legal aid fees in 2026. This decision is long overdue in order to ensure the sustainability of Ireland’s criminal defence profession. Criminal legal aid is vital for those who cannot afford access to justice through alternative means.

“The 50% increase in funding for Free Legal Advice Centres will enable more people to access legal advice and representation when needed. This uplift will enable FLAC to support more people to vindicate their rights and access justice.

“Attention now must turn to reforming the Civil Legal Aid system. Budget 2026 was a missed opportunity to deliver the immediate increase in the eligibility thresholds as recommended by the Civil Legal Aid Review. Until the thresholds are increased, many people will continue to be locked out of the justice system.  

“The continued investment in the family justice system signals commitment to supporting family courts users. This is important progress in ensuring long overdue plans - to build a dedicated family courts complex at Hammond Lane - can finally become a reality. Children and families who have no option but to seek justice through the courts deserve nothing less. 

“We commend Minister O’Callaghan for his ambitious funding of the Justice Sector. A record allocation of over €6.17 billion for the Justice Sector in Budget 2026 is an encouraging sign of the priority the Minister and the Department of Justice are giving to bring the Irish justice system in line with EU jurisdictions. Crucially, this investment will help improve the justice experience for all.”