Strategic Area 1 Clause Samples

Strategic Area 1. The efficient and effective delivery of legal aid and family mediation services, and integrating family mediation and civil legal aid services to the greatest extent possible; (*Estimated Cost of Delivery - €46.288M) 1. We will facilitate a timely consultation following receipt of an application for services. 1.1 We will continue to use all available tools to monitor waiting times and apply measures to bring them down (or maintain them) within a 12 week period or less. 1.1.1 Reduction in the number waiting for legal services to a figure of 900 or less and for family mediation services to a figure of 300 or less. Q4 1.1.2 Improved waiting times with an average waiting time of no more than 12 weeks. Q4 1.1.3 The percentage of all eligible civil legal aid applicants who receive either: a. a priority service, b. referral to a private legal practitioner, or c. an appointment with a solicitor at a law centre; so that at least 76% of eligible applicants are collectively provided with a service within twelve weeks ( matching the pre-COVID figure). Q4 2. We will assess and implement measures including empowering staff to assist in meeting this target. 2.1 In 2023 we will holistically consider, in tandem with the deliberations of the Civil Legal Aid Review, how we use private solicitors in the provision of legal aid and advice services. 2.1.1 Assessment of usage of private solicitors completed and decisions implemented. Q3 2.2 We will operate a private practitioner panel for the provision of family mediation services. 2.2.1 Referral of 200 cases to private mediators in 2023. Q4 2.3.1 Evaluation of the panel conducted to assess its effectiveness and efficiency. Q4