Justice Plan 2024 published
Under Justice Plan 2024, published in July 2024, the Department of Justice is aiming to establish several new state bodies and ensure passage of flagship legislation.
Justice Plan 2024 – the fourth such publication since the Department of Justice began publishing annual plans in 2021 – identifies five broad goals and the associated objectives to be addressed by the Department throughout 2024.
The five broad goals are:
- maintaining a safe and secure Ireland;
- improving access to justice for all;
- delivering a fair immigration system;
- strengthening influence in Europe; and
- investing in people to deliver excellence.
The Department states that it recognises that access to justice is a “fundamental principle of fairness” and aims to implement “the reforms necessary to deliver a faster and more effective justice system”, with a focus on creating clearer and more concise decision-making timelines.
Support the establishment of a mediation council of Ireland
The Department is aiming to aid the establishment of an independent mediation council as provided for in the Mediation Act 2017.
To achieve this, the Department states that it will support a review of the relevant provisions within the 2017 Act and will support the sector in its work to prepare draft codes of practice, a draft register of mediators, and to identify public interest members of the council.
Support the setting of indexation rates for periodic payment orders
The Department will consult with a working group to advise the Minister for Justice on appropriate indexation rates for Periodic Payment Orders.
The Department will also contribute to the passing of both primary and secondary legislation to permit the Minister to set indexation rates for such orders.
Consider the barriers to becoming a solicitor or barrister
Upon reviewing the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) report, the Department aims to “consider the current barriers” to becoming a solicitor or barrister in Ireland.
In doing so, the Department says it will engage with the LSRA and other relevant stakeholders “as required” to progress necessary reforms in this area.
Establish the judicial appointments commission (JAC)
The Department states that it will seek to establish the JAC, including appointing a director, lay members, and staff, and collaborating with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to advertise appointments.
Oversee and monitor the implementation of the Judicial Planning Working Group’s recommendations:
The Department states it will present the Judicial Planning Working Group’s recommendations to the Cabinet and oversee their implementation. It will also examine the role and powers of court presidents and quasi-judicial officers, support the piloting of the staggered vacation scheme in the High Court (which commenced in July 2024), and provide the Government with an update on the impact of the additional judges and other key efficiency measures.
In doing so, the Department has committed to convening regular Stakeholder Engagement Group meetings.
Support the establishment of the gambling regulatory authority
The Department will provide programme management services to aid the establishment of the gambling regulatory authority of Ireland, enact the Gambling Regulation Bill, and appoint authority members.
The Gambling Regulation Bill was passed by the Dáil in May 2024 and is currently at Committee Stage before the Seanad.
“This plan will deliver on the goals and objectives as set out in the new A safe, fair and inclusive Ireland: Statement of Strategy 2024-2026.”
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD
Support the appointment of three commissioners to the Data Protection Commission
The Department states it will “work alongside PAS to appoint three new Data Protection commissioners”, with a timeline target of Q4 2024 for this action to be completed.
Enacting the Family Courts Bill
The Department of Justice states that, by Q3 2024, it will “support work towards” enactment of the Family Courts Bill 2022 which provides for the creation of new dedicated family courts within the existing court structures.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD states: “This work will continue to make significant steps towards reforming the family justice system as committed to by the Programme for Government.”
Publish the Defamation (Amendment) Bill
The 2024 plan aims to make “significant progress” in updating Ireland’s defamation laws. This includes the publication of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill which follows the publication of the General Scheme in 2023.
Minister of State for Law Reform at the Department of Justice, James Browne TD, says: “This is a significant priority for Government, to reform defamation law to ensure a balanced approach between the rights to freedom of expression, to protection of good name, and to access to justice. I hope to significantly progress during 2024.”
The Department published the Bill in July 2024, although it is unclear whether the legislation will be enacted before dissolution of the current Dáil.
Through the targeted actions, the Department states that it aims to “substantially improve” public confidence in the justice system and ensure that it is more accessible and responsive to the needs of all citizens. In combination with the other broad goals as stated in the plan, the Department outlines its goal to usher in widespread reform and modernisation of the national legal system.
Remarking on the publication of the most recent justice plan, McEntee says: “This comprehensive plan sets out in detail a substantial programme of work to be carried out by the Department of Justice throughout 2024. This plan will deliver on the goals and objectives as set out in the new A safe, fair and inclusive Ireland: Statement of Strategy 2024-2026.” The Minister of State added: “The Plan will continue to progress our key priorities so that the Justice Sector continues to develop its capabilities across a wide range of areas.”
