Exploring readiness for implementation of an intermediary scheme in the Irish context: Findings from a mixed-data survey

Intermediaries are professionals who facilitate communication for vulnerable individuals in legal proceedings. Recently, Ireland has advanced the intermediary role by launching an accredited training programme and establishing a court intermediary register. This study examines the perceived readiness of the first two cohorts of newly qualified intermediaries for the implementation of a national scheme in Ireland. A descriptive cross-sectional study used quantitative and qualitative data from a purposive sample of newly qualified intermediaries via an online Qualtrics survey. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative data were analysed via content analysis. Participants felt confident in assessing communication and explaining their role but less prepared for court interventions or defending their position; they valued simulated learning over acquisition-based methods. Key practitioner challenges included role ambiguity, limited sustainability and lack of supervision, while system-level barriers centred on stakeholder resistance. Strengthening the intermediary role and access to justice may involve increasing stakeholder awareness and professional development.