Chief Justice urges consideration of litigation funding reform

The Chief Justice of Ireland, Donal O’Donnell has identified reform of third party litigation funding as a possible means through which access to justice can be improved. At present the only types of third party funding allowed in Ireland are where the funder has a legitimate interest in the proceedings, such as a shareholder in a company involved, or is an insurer who provides cover to plaintiffs to protect them if their litigation is unsuccessful. The affordability of litigation in Ireland has long been considered a major barrier to accessing the courts. More from the Independent.