Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

As Minister I am very conscious of the need to ensure that savings are made in this budget, which as I stated has increased exponentially despite the fact that the level of fees paid has reduced over the past two years by 8% and by a further 8%. The bill continues to rise. This comes back to the earlier point that there is more activity in the courts. Under the Constitution it is the case that somebody is entitled to representation if it is shown that the person does not have means for representation.

There is some disquiet in the general public for the way in which it is sometimes perceived that people are getting criminal legal aid but not entitled to it. I do not say this in any disparaging way with regard to administration by judges but I am trying to ensure that those who require criminal legal aid from the taxpayer are deserving of it. I suggest that the Deputy wait until the heads of the Bill are published and he will see that we are very conscious of the need to ensure it does not increase adjournments and the process will not dramatically change the system.

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