Community Law & Mediation (CLM) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission on the General Scheme of the Civil Reform Bill 2025 (the General Scheme).

At the outset we wish to note that our ability to engage with the proposals, which will have far reaching and significant consequences, was severely hampered by both the tight timeline provided for our submission (short extension notwithstanding), and by the lack of explanation or evidence provided by the Department of Justice to explain the purpose behind the proposals contained in the General Scheme.

Further, we are concerned about the nature and process of this consultation, with the General Scheme being examined by the Oireachtas committee, and submissions confined to invited organisations and experts.

As the Bill constitutes a plan or programme relating to the environment, in accordance with Article 7 of the Aarhus Convention, CLM calls for the Bill to be opened to a full, public consultation to ensure early and effective participation while the legislation remains open.

Read our full submission below: