Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for taking time out to be here with us. Regarding legal aid, expenditure in 2019 was in the region of €68 million. It is a demand-led scheme. The fees and expenses due to legal practitioners are in accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme under the Criminal Justice Act. The Judiciary is responsible for granting legal aid. What controls has the Department over the expenditure of legal aid and custody issues? If it is a demand-led scheme, who is responsible for its oversight?