52 Progress work in the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill

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Goal 2: Improving access to justice for all

Figure from page 22

The Department is supporting the modernisation of the courts systems, and improving facilities and supports for those who are victims of, or witnesses to, crime. Key to facilitating greater access to justice are, continued investment in resources for, and digitalisation of, the courts system. This will be in parallel to the development of a unique personal identifier across the justice sector.

Access to justice is more than a phrase - it is a fundamental principle of fairness. Our commitment is to address barriers to anyone seeking justice, regardless of their circumstances.

The Department will drive the significant reform needed across the State’s legal system to deliver a faster, more effective justice system, with an increase in cases being heard within shorter timeframes. The system will be more victim-centred, trauma-informed and will support victims at every stage of their journey in the criminal, family and civil legal processes.

Bereaved families interact with the Coroners Service at the most difficult time in their lives. The strategy commits to delivering a sensitive and timely service to the bereaved.

As part of this, the reform of family justice will provide Ireland with an effective, child-centred system that enables families to resolve their problems in a simpler, faster way. Through reforming, the law blockages will be reduced, and appropriate support systems improved, including where legal or other advice is necessary.

Reforming our laws on areas such as the sale of alcohol, licensing of firearms, defamation and censorship will provide more effective regulation of social, economic and recreational activities that are within the Department’s policy remit.

Dispute resolution that is effective, efficient and timely

Legal Aid systems that provides people with effective access to justice

Develop a personal unique identifier across the Justice Sector

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A family justice system that works for children and families

Modern regulation, governance standards and licensing of activities in ways that serve the best interests of all society

A compassionate, efficient Coroners Service providing consistent timely support to bereaved families

Modernised Court Services that are more efficient and accessible to all

Improved ability to coordinate and target resources and process cases across the Justice Sector

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Vulnerable users feel they can access services and the support and knowledge they need, to engage with the system they need to engage with, within the justice system

More sustainable solutions to resolve disputes

Bereaved persons have easy access to clear and concise information about the coronial process and relevant timelines

OBJECTIVES & 2024 ACTIONS		ACTION OWNER	DELIVERY DATE
53 Support the establishment of a Mediatoi n Council of Ireland		Civil Governance	Q4
53.1	Support a review of provisions in the Mediation Act 2017	Civil Governance/Civil Legislation/Civil Policy	Ongoing
53.2	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.	Civil Governance	Q4
54 Contribute to passing of primary and secondary legislatoi n to allow Minister to set indexatoi n rate and following consultatoi n with Working Group, advise the Minister on an appropriate indexatoi n rate for Periodic Payment Orders.		Civil Policy and Legislation	Q2
54.1	Finalise Working Group report and advise the Minister on an appropriate indexation rate for Periodic Payment Orders	Civil Policy	Q1
54. 2	Draft secondary legislation to give efef ct to indexation rate	Civil Legislation	Q2
55 Introduce new pre-actoi n protocol regulatoi ns (clinical negligence) in implementatoi n of Part 15 Legal Services Regulatoi n Act 2015.		Civil Legislation	Q4
56 Support the expert group on the setnti g of the discount rate (Q1) and consider recommendatoi ns of expert group and make regulatoi ns to take account of them (Q2)		Civil Policy	Q2
56.1	Support the Independent Expert Working Group on the Setting of the Discount Rate to finalise its report and submit to the Minister for consideration	Civil Policy	Q2
56.2	Following consideration of recommendations of the Independent Expert Working Group, if appropriate draft regulations to give efef ct to them.	Civil Legislation	Q3
57 Review the Peace Commissioner appointment process		Service Delivery	Q4
57.1	Consultation & research completed. Drafting of report commenced	Service Delivery	Q4
Objectvi e - A family justci e system that works for children and families
58 Support work towards enactment of the Family Courts Bill 2022 which provides for the creatoi n of new dedicated Family Courts within the existni g court structures		Civil Legislation	Q3