Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has released new legislation designed to revamp the judicial review procedure.
He committed to ensuring it leads to enhanced openness and a more efficient system.
The minister further noted that Ireland is confronting major issues related to housing deficits, energy shortages, insufficient water infrastructure and climate challenges, reports RTE.
“We can no longer delay on reform of the judicial review system,” he said.
“The measures in this Bill will not only deliver this reform, they will also support the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan, which addresses a range of barriers to developing the infrastructure required to sustain a growing society.”, reports RTE.
According to the proposed reforms, judicial reviews will not be permitted solely on minor procedural issues.
The bill also seeks to reduce the substantial legal costs borne by the State in cases where a judicial review succeeds.
It will provide that costs are awarded to a challenger only if the court’s ultimate ruling delivers a meaningful advantage to them, reports RTE.
Based on the preliminary details of the bill, solely individuals who are personally impacted or those demonstrating a substantial stake in the issue will have standing to pursue a judicial review.
“Through the forthcoming legislation, I will make clear that judicial review is a process whereby someone who has suffered harm or prejudice because of an unlawful action of a public body may seek a remedy from the courts,” the minister said.
“However, any remedy will consider the public interest as well as the interests of the applicant.”, reports RTE.
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