Published date:
Responding to the announcement on enabling Access to Justice by the Minister of Justice Naomi Long MLA, Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said:
“I welcome the announcement from the Minister today on enabling access to justice.
“Victims of crime have told me of some of the challenges they’ve faced with respect to legal aid.
“There is perception for some victims that the current criminal legal aid arrangements do not do enough to provide disincentives to adjournment and unnecessary delay.
“I have also heard from victims of crime, particularly victims of domestic abuse, that there are serious issues in our civil and family legal aid systems.
“I have heard from many of those victims of a system that is difficult to navigate and too often lets them down, or leaves them without the representation they deserve.
“What those victims need is a simpler, clearer system that removes barriers and improves access to justice, particularly for the most vulnerable.
“It is essential that this system is sustainable and ensures fair remuneration for the legal profession working within it. I hope that today’s announcement regarding an increase in legal fees will bring a swift end to the ongoing industrial dispute which is impacting criminal cases.
“I welcome the fact that the Minister has referred to this reform as one piece of the wider jigsaw puzzle in tackling the systemic issues in our justice system.
“I hope that these reforms will help to bring that about. What I think all victims of crime want to see now is these reforms moving at pace. This is a great first step and now it’s time to push on and make improvements happen.”