Civil Reform Bill proposals will weaken access to judicial review system

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said a citizen’s right to challenge what they believe to be unlawful decisions of public bodies is fundamental, but must also be balanced in a manner which 'also protects the common good'.

Government plans to weaken access to judicial reviews will damage women fleeing domestic abuse, access to education, and climate accountability, a community law centre has said.

Community Law & Mediation are the latest body to hit out at the proposals contained in the Civil Reform Bill, and said the judicial review system, as it currently exists, is a “vital last resort” for people to challenge wrong decisions, uphold their rights, and hold the State to account.