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04/10/2023
Fundamental Review of NI's Criminal Legal Aid System Announced
The Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced the launch of a fundamental review of Northern Ireland's criminal legal aid system.
The review aims to establish a "fit for purpose, robust and modernised framework".
His Honour Tom Burgess has been appointed as an independent advisor to lead the review and it is anticipated that he will report his findings and recommendations by the end of June 2024, with the scope to make interim recommendations.
Announcing the review, Richard Pengelly CB, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice said: "I believe it is now timely to take a fundamental look at the criminal legal aid framework with a view to establishing a fit for purpose, robust and modernised framework."
His Honour Tom Burgess said: "I am delighted to lead this important fundamental review of criminal legal aid. I accepted the role of independent advisor to help to shape a modernised framework that will suit and reflect current and future needs."
The review has now commenced and is expected to take nine months to complete, ending in June 2024. Engagement will continue throughout the review with key stakeholders, giving them the opportunity to input to the process.
In conclusion, Mr Pengelly said: "I welcome the appointment of His Honour Tom Burgess to lead the criminal legal aid review. He has extensive experience in both criminal and civil justice systems in Northern Ireland. His breadth of experience makes him ideally placed to undertake this review and I wish him well in his endeavours."
The review aims to establish a "fit for purpose, robust and modernised framework".
His Honour Tom Burgess has been appointed as an independent advisor to lead the review and it is anticipated that he will report his findings and recommendations by the end of June 2024, with the scope to make interim recommendations.
Announcing the review, Richard Pengelly CB, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice said: "I believe it is now timely to take a fundamental look at the criminal legal aid framework with a view to establishing a fit for purpose, robust and modernised framework."
His Honour Tom Burgess said: "I am delighted to lead this important fundamental review of criminal legal aid. I accepted the role of independent advisor to help to shape a modernised framework that will suit and reflect current and future needs."
The review has now commenced and is expected to take nine months to complete, ending in June 2024. Engagement will continue throughout the review with key stakeholders, giving them the opportunity to input to the process.
In conclusion, Mr Pengelly said: "I welcome the appointment of His Honour Tom Burgess to lead the criminal legal aid review. He has extensive experience in both criminal and civil justice systems in Northern Ireland. His breadth of experience makes him ideally placed to undertake this review and I wish him well in his endeavours."
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