Debate contribution: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage

Debate contribution by Ms Emma Sheerin on 22 June 2026.

MLA: Ms Emma Sheerin
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 22 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5638992

Text

I want to outline Sinn Féin's position on these amendments. Like the Member who spoke previously, we are in agreement with the Minister on opposing the inclusion of clause 28, but we have similar concerns as my constituency colleague about the proposed new clause 27A. It goes back to a lot of the rationale that has already been presented, such as the lack of an opportunity to scrutinise and the lack of detail on how exactly it would work. A lot of the clarification that the Minister has provided about having a process or a system that is consistent across the board and consistent with how others are paid makes sense. During engagement with the Bar Council, we heard very clearly that it is open to reform and wants to work with the Department and the Minister to reform. We support that. Obviously, we all want to see a system that everyone can buy into and support and one that works for victims of crime and those who require support in the courts. We have particular concerns about how legal aid is accessible and how, when it comes to barristers who operate in the field of legal aid, it is not accessible for ethnic minorities or those from working-class backgrounds.

210 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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