Freedom of Information Publication Scheme

The Law Reform Commission is a “new” public body under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and in accordance with the definition of “effective date” in section 2(c) of the 2014 Act, the Act applies to records held by the Commission dating from 21 April 2008.

Set out below is the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme we are publishing under the 2014 Act. The Scheme outlines a range of information about the Law Reform Commission and is categorised under 6 headings as recommended under section 8 of the 2014 Act.

1) Role and Responsibilities

The Commission comprises 5 members, the President, a full time Commissioner and 3 part time Commissioners. Further background information with regard to each can be found here. The Commission is supported by a number of research and administrative staff, as outlined in its organisation chart. Pay and grading of these staff is governed by the relevant policies as laid out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Commission also operates under the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.

The range of records held by the Commission that may be released are:

General Administration
Accounts/Expenditure Records
Asset Register
Submissions (with the exception of submissions given in confidence and where their release would create a risk that the Commission’s ability to carry out research in the future would be impaired and/or where release would otherwise be unlawful)
Civil/Public Service Guidelines and circulars
Annual Reports
Strategy Statements

Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact us.

2) Our Services

Publications

Legislation Directory

Classified List of Legislation

Revised Acts

3) Financial Information

Our Financial Statements can be found in our Annual Reports

4) Functions and Decision Making Process of the Commission

Functions of the Commission

The Commission is a statutory body established by the Law Reform Commission Act 1975 which requires the Commission to keep the law under review and to conduct research with a view to reforming the law. Find out more about our functions here.

The Commission’s work also involves making legislation more accessible to the public. The Commission produces a number of access to legislation products. Find out more about them here.

Decision Making Process of the Commission

Commission Members

The Commission consists of 5 members, the President, a full time Commissioner and three part-time Commissioners. Commissioners are appointed by the Government for a term of up to 5 years, and their appointment may be renewed. You can find out more here.

Commission Management Committee

The Commission’s Management Committee consists of: the full-time Commissioner, the Head of Administration, the Director of Research, the Deputy Directors of Research, the Access to Legislation Manager, the Deputy Access to Legislation Managers, the Head of Corporate Affairs and the Library and Information Manager. The Management Committee meets on a regular basis, usually monthly and in advance of formal Commission meetings, to review all major issues relevant to the efficient and effective operation of the Commission.