Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise an issue that I do not think has been addressed because I do not think anybody can address it, that is, how the Legal Aid Board is going to achieve greater efficiency. Reference was made to a written application, for example, by a solicitor in the course of proceedings where he or she feels that counsel is required. I do not understand, for example, why that needs to be written. It is done orally at the moment. Every court proceeding is recorded digitally. Reference was made by the Bar Council to the experience of civil practitioners in dealing with the Legal Aid Board and "efficiency" is not the first word that would spring to mind in dealings with it. Does anybody have a basis on which they believe that taking this from the Department of Justice and putting it into the hands of the Legal Aid Board is going to achieve efficiencies?