The Department of Justice has launched two public consultations on proposed reforms to Northern Ireland's civil legal aid system, aiming to improve access, streamline processes and ensure publicly funded support is directed to those most in need.

Proposals include creating a new legal aid certificate for victims of domestic abuse and simplifying applications for people in receipt of benefits.

Launching the consultation, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "Access to justice is one of the foundations of a fair, democratic and compassionate society.

"It ensures that people can enforce their rights, protect themselves and their families, challenge unlawful decisions, and secure the support and services to which they are entitled.

"For many individuals, particularly those facing vulnerability, poverty, trauma or crisis, legal aid provides the gateway through which justice becomes a practical reality rather than simply an abstract principle.

"Legal aid is therefore not merely a mechanism for funding legal services; it is a vital safeguard that underpins confidence in the rule of law and the effective functioning of our justice system.

"Throughout my time as Minister of Justice, I have been clear that access to justice must remain at the heart of our justice system. "It is also right that we continually assess whether the system is delivering the right outcome for citizens, whether resources are being directed to those most in need, and whether we are meeting our responsibilities to taxpayers in securing the best possible value from public expenditure."

The Department is consulting on two areas: improving impact and value for money by reforming merits and scope, and updating financial eligibility and contributions.

The Minister continued: "The legal aid system in Northern Ireland faces significant challenges.

"Demand continues to grow, the needs of those seeking support are becoming increasingly complex, and expenditure has risen substantially in recent years.

"At the same time, wider pressures on public finances mean that every area of government must ensure that limited resources are being used as effectively as possible.

"The challenge before us is not whether we support access to justice; it is how we ensure that access to justice remains sustainable, effective and available for future generations.

"These consultations are examining important issues and I invite anyone with an interest to respond; this is your opportunity to help shape policy that will have a real and tangible impact on society."

The consultations are open until 21 December. Further details are available at:

www.justice-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-improving-impact-and-value-money-reforming-merits-and-scope-legal-aid

www.justice-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-reform-civil-legal-services-financial-regulations