Judicial review : proposals for reform

This paper sets out the Government's proposals for the reform of Judicial Review.

Judicial Review is a critical check on the power of the State, providing an effective mechanism for challenging the decisions of public bodies to ensure that they are lawful.

The Government is concerned that the Judicial Review process may in some cases be open to abuse, such as delaying tactics, which add to the costs of public services.

This paper sets out reform on three key areas: (i) The time limits within which Judicial Review proceedings must be brought; (ii) The procedure for applying for permission to bring Judicial Review proceedings; (iii) The fees charged in Judicial Review proceedings.