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ARTICLE · 11 FEBRUARY 2026

Civil Reform Bill 2026: Key Changes Explained

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On 6 January 2026, the Minister for Justice Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan published the General Scheme of the Civil Reform Bill 2025 (the Civil Reform Bill).

IrelandFinance and Banking
William Greensmyth
William Greensmyth
Keith Hyland
Keith Hyland
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On 6 January 2026, the Minister for Justice Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan published the General Scheme of the Civil Reform Bill 2025 (the Civil Reform Bill). Its primary purpose is to implement many of the recommendations made in the Report on the review of the administration of Civil Justice in Ireland published in late 2020 (the Kelly Report) prepared by a review group, chaired by Mr Justice Peter Kelly (former president of the High Court). 

There are important and extensive procedural changes included in the Bill, intended to streamline civil litigation, reduce delay and increase efficiency. If enacted, the Bill will have significant, far-reaching implications on how civil proceedings will be conducted in Ireland. 

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