Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
432. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he proposes to introduce any amendment to the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15820/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) is an independent body responsible for the regulation of the legal professions under the provisions of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015. Subject to the 2015 Act, the Authority is independent in the performance of its functions.
Under Section 6 of the 2015 Act, the LSRA is required to periodically carry out a review of the Act and, following a consultation process, make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of its findings and conclusions, including such recommendations (if any) to me, as Minister, resulting from that review as it considers appropriate.
The first such review carried out by the LSRA was reported on and published in March 2019, and the LSRA formally submitted its second such report to me on the 11th of September 2025. Pursuant to section 6(1)(b) of the 2015 Act, the report was, on the same date, also submitted by the Authority to both Houses of the Oireachtas.
This report is available on the LSRA website at the following link: [Reports and Laws - Legal Services Regulatory Authority]
Officials in my Department are currently considering this comprehensive and extensive report, which contains numerous recommendations.
Furthermore, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to complete a review of the LSRA and to consider legislative amendments to ensure the Legal System is digital, modern, cost-effective, and focused on the needs of victims. The Terms of Reference are currently being drafted and will include consideration of the above-mentioned report on the statutory review of the 2015 Act. Once finalised, a review will be carried out. The outputs of both these timely pieces of work will help ensure the continued effective operation of the LSRA and regulation of the legal professions.
