EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations make provision for the constitution and procedure of appeal panels, and for appeals to such a panel against prescribed decisions. An individual applying for funding under the Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 can appeal decisions made by the Director of Legal Aid Casework as to whether to fund, or continue to fund, representation (higher courts) by way of civil legal services under that Order. An individual applying for such funding can also appeal decisions as to the level of representation authorised.
Part 1 contains provisions relating to the citation, commencement and interpretation of the Regulations, and for the service of notices or documents.
Part 2 concerns rights of appeal and the procedure for bringing appeals. It provides for decisions where there is a right of appeal and for those decisions where there is no right of appeal. It also provides procedural rules for bringing appeals.
Part 3 provides for the constitution of the appeal panels. It provides for the Department of Justice to appoint persons to act as presiding members and other members of the appeal panels. It also provides for the composition of an appeal panel, with the Director of Legal Aid Casework to select a presiding member and two other members. Provision is also made for disqualification for membership of an appeal panel.
Part 4 of the Regulations provides for the procedure of the appeal panels.
The Regulations come into operation on 1st April 2015.