Justice Minister Naomi Long has published a programme to improve how access to justice is delivered.
The Enabling Access Programme Delivery Plan will be subject to consultation for eight weeks starting today.
The Minister said: “The Enabling Access to Justice Reform Programme is an ambitious one which aims to reshape how justice is delivered for the future to ensure a fairer, more proportionate, more responsive system that puts the citizen at its core.
“How justice is delivered has far reaching consequences. It helps to ensure public safety and protection for our most vulnerable. It helps us defend our rights, secure opportunities and access services.
“It helps us ensure our wellbeing and to protect our families. So how justice is delivered can have a significant impact on our lives and society and the cost of public services in the long-term.
“The Reform Programme aims to recalibrate the system to ensure delivery models can provide the best possible outcomes, supporting efficient resolution of disputes and reduce acrimony and stress.
“It is also important to harness the advantages of technology, to ensure a holistic tailored approach to need and ensure the continued availability of expert advice and representation, particularly the most vulnerable.
“In addition, with resources under increasing pressure, the Programme also aims to ensure delivery models make the best possible use of resources and are cost effective and transparent.”
The consultation published today seeks views on the sequencing of the Reform Programme.
Each set of proposals within the plan will also be subject to detailed consultation.
The public consultation will be open until 27 March 2025 and everyone is being encouraged to have their say – Public Consultation on Enabling Access to Justice Programme Delivery Plan January 2025 – NI Direct – Citizen Space
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