The Bar comments on appointment of New Justice Minister

The Bar Northern Ireland welcomes the appointment of Naomi Long MLA as Justice Minister following the New Decade, New Approach deal allowing for the restoration of devolved Government.

The Bar’s Chair Sarah Ramsey BL remarked: “The Bar looks forward to engaging positively with Minister Long in the development of all aspects of justice policy over the remainder of this Assembly mandate. The new Minister will be tasked with a range of pressing issues, including improving access to justice, addressing delay in the justice system and the outworking of a number of strategic policy reviews conducted in recent years.

Justice is a precious asset; it underpins our democracy, freedoms, civil society and access to it should be available to all who need it. The independent referral Bar performs a unique role in which legal professionals serve the public interest, by upholding the rule of law and serving the administration of justice in courtrooms across Northern Ireland on a daily basis. Members of the Bar are experts in advocacy and legal knowledge and represent all in our society without fear or favour thus helping to uphold the rule of law and preserve a fair and democratic society. In that regard it is vital that our justice system is properly resourced with legal aid being recognised as an indispensable part of this and safeguarded as a fundamentally important social welfare provision.

The Bar will work closely with the Minister on these issues and be a willing partner in helping to promote a fair and efficient justice system across Northern Ireland”.

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