Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I am glad to be able to inform the Deputy that my proposals are to include in the criminal justice (legal aid) Bill, referred to in the Government legislation programme, provisions to enable the transfer from my Department to the Legal Aid Board of responsibility for the administration and management of criminal legal aid. Drafting of the Bill is in the course of being finalised with a view to publication in this session.

My aim in the Bill is to strengthen the system of granting legal aid. It will, among other matters, better regulate the taking of statements of means, increase the sanction for false declarations and allow the board to verify the means of applicants and to prosecute cases of abuse. The board will be in a position to explore the method by which legal services are delivered. I am in consultation with the Attorney General with a view to making as many changes as possible in the system of criminal legal aid, consistent with the requirements of the Constitution. The details of my final proposals will be announced by way of the publication of at least the heads of the Bill in the near future.

The transfer to the board of responsibility for criminal legal aid should not result in any additional cost to the Exchequer. Moreover, the overall effect of the Bill when fully implemented should result in savings. Having regard to its very significant cost to the Exchequer, I am determined to achieve a system of criminal legal aid that is subject to more stringent checks and balances.

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