Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I suppose I am most interested in the latter part of the Minister's answer. While I understand the difficulties that potentially exist, I suggest that a fee of between €10 and €50 would be affordable even for someone on social welfare, especially if it were spread over a period of time. It would represent some form of justice. I appreciate that people are not guilty until they are tried and their cases heard. However, many of those who break the law are reoffenders. A woman and her children will have to wait between six and 11 months to be seen by a solicitor in a law centre, whereas someone who breaks the law tonight will get legal aid in the morning. While I accept that such people need to be represented, I do not think it is excessive to deduct between €10 and €50 from their social welfare over a period of time to facilitate that. It might mean they have to do without a packet of cigarettes, or stay out of the bookies, for a week. I am not generalising when I say there are many cases of that nature. There is merit in providing for such a levy. I agree this service should be provided, but those who avail of it should have to pay something towards it. I do not think the rest of society should have to pay in every way for the actions of these people.

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