Long welcomes resumption of services by immigration lawyers
Date published:
The Justice Minister has welcomed a decision by the Immigration Practitioners Group to end its withdrawal of services for those applying for immigration and asylum.
The decision of the Immigration Practitioners Group (IPG) to resume provision of advice and representation in immigration and asylum applications follows detailed engagement with the Department on remuneration.
Welcoming the announcement, the Minister said:
“Legal aid is critical in ensuring rights can be exercised and protections secured.
“This is particularly the case for immigrants and asylum seekers who can be amongst the most vulnerable in society.
“I welcome this positive step by the IPG who have engaged positively and constructively with the Department.
“The right advice, support and representation at the right time can shape outcomes.
“It can be determinative in how people respond and manage the challenges they face, how they manage and recover from trauma and how they engage with society and other public services in the future.
“I launched the Enabling Access to Justice Programme to ensure we deliver better tailored service at the point of need.
“Effective and experienced legal representation is critical to that objective and fair, proportionate representation is critical to ensuring this is available.
“I have said all along that I am committed to providing fair remuneration and to working with the profession to develop the evidence to support changes to the fee regime.
“Our engagement with the IPG is evidence of that commitment in action and I will continue to work with the professions and other stakeholders as the Enabling Access to Justice Programme progresses, to ensure our justice system is sustainable and support remains available for the most vulnerable.”
Sinead Marmion, Chair of the IPG, said:
“The IPG is pleased with the interim resolution it has reached with the Department of Justice, following recent action it has taken regarding poor and outdated remuneration structures in asylum and immigration cases.
“We look forward to getting back to working for some of the most vulnerable members of our society, who deserve high-quality and expert legal advice and access to justice.
“Going forward, we are committed to working with the Department to ensure long-term, sustainable and equitable solutions for practitioners in this highly complex area of law.”
Notes to editors:
- The Enabling Access to Justice Programme was launched by the Minister on 2 December 2024. It seeks to enhance access to justice and ensure resources are targeted at those most in need, that the system is sustainable and there is greater transparency on how public resources are used.
- A consultation on the Programme Delivery Plan closed on 27 March 2025. Responses are being considered and a revised Delivery Plan will be published in coming months. In the interim, work has been ongoing in line with the Minister commitment to introduce new fees for public legal services in criminal, civil and family proceedings at pace.
- A consultation on proposed fees closed on 27 March 2025. Engagement with the professions has been ongoing alongside the formal consultation exercise including with the IPG. Fee changes approved by the Minister are expected to be given effect in May 2025.
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