Ann McGarry, Chair and Sonya Lanigan, Vice-Chair
The committee has continued to engage on significant matters, including:
- Participating in various user groups, including the Superior Courts User Group, Court of Appeal Civil Users Group, the Modernisation of the Courts User Group, and the Digitalisation of the Courts User Group,
- Working closely with the Law Society Policy Department regarding the Consumer Protection Code and the cost of motor-insurance premiums,
- Assisting with the development of a communications campaign, including the formation of a dedicated subgroup aimed at countering misleading narratives about solicitors’ costs and protecting the reputation of the profession,
- Providing feedback regarding proposals from the various court rules committees,
- Updating the profession through notices on the Law Society website and Gazette articles,
- Dealing with a wide range of queries from litigation practitioners,
- Continuing engagement with external bodies, such as the Irish Medical Organisation and the Injuries Resolution Board, on issues raised by practitioners,
- Engaging with the Policy Department regarding submissions to the Department of Justice on civil legal aid and the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, with particular focus on the statements of truth provisions,
- Liaising with the Courts Service and director general on various court offices’ issues,
- Participating in the Legal Costs Task Force,
- Participating in focus groups providing feedback on the Courts Service Portal before it is rolled out, with committee members attending dedicated testing sessions and providing practical input, and
- Establishing of subgroups on litigation funding and long stop on the Statute of Limitations.
