New Chairman of the Legal Aid Board honoured to be Appointed

New Chairman of the Legal Aid Board honoured to be Appointed

11 November 2016

Over the next five years Philip, who has over 30 years experience as a legal professional, will  Chair the  Statutory Board of 12 other highly-regarded members with overall responsibility for 450 employees, 50 offices and an annual budget of approximately €40 million.

 

Philip has considerable experience working with the Board on which he has been a member since 2011. Philip has previously Chaired the Audit and  Risk Management  Committee where he oversaw innovative and significant changes in the Organisation with his expertise in emerging case management technology and best practice protocols.

 

Philip  comes to the role as Chairman with significant private sector experience in legal practice giving him a unique overview of the board's day-to-day functions and responsibilities .

 

Speaking on his appointment Philip said: “I’m  very  honoured to have been appointed as Chairman of the Legal Aid Board. I’ve always been dedicated to ensuring all members of society have equal access to justice. This is a role of significant responsibility  towhich I commit my expertise, dedication and professionalism .

 

“My key priorities for my term are to continue to improve existing services for eligible clients in need of  civil advice and legal representation, to review  current eligibility for civil legal aid and make the necessary recommendation to the Minister, to oversee the transition of the administration of the Statutory Criminal Legal Aid schemes to the Board and ensuring best-in-class administration of criminal legal aid in the 21stcentury and to support the Chief Executive, management team and all Board staff to continue to provide an excellent service on a nationwide basis.”

 

Making the announcement of the Board, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances FitzGerald TD, said: “I am very pleased that people of such calibre are willing to undertake this public service. There are many challenges ahead for this new Legal Aid Board including the delivery of the new scheme to help people who are in mortgage arrears on their home to access independent expert financial and legal advice, and the transfer of responsibility for the

Statutory Criminal Legal Aid scheme to the Board. I am confident that the new Board members will bring their considerable skills and experience to this important work.”

 

 FitzGerald Solicitors, is also home to Ireland’s only female Sheriff Sinead McNamara.

 

Appointments to the Legal Aid Board were made through the Public Appointment Service.