Mr. Robert Purcell:

There are a number of ways it could work. There are approximately 400 solicitors who are experienced in criminal justice work throughout the country. We have a certified list of solicitors who attend Garda stations. They have front-line experience in these types of cases. I also believe that some advanced specialist training may be necessary for people to be approved to give this advice. If the NGOs were the first port of call and this list was available to them, they could refer to us individuals who require more specialist advice. Most of the 400 solicitors to whom I referred also operate a 24-7, 365 day service so it is not limited.

The certification would have to involve a State agency, perhaps the Legal Aid Board, with an appropriate form and certification of means or something similar which could be verified before a particular claim is processed on behalf of an individual. Would Ms Counihan say these generally involve emergencies?