Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We would all agree with what the Minister has just said in terms of people being entitled to the presumption of innocence and to a fair trial. That is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system. However, an issue which arises time and again and which grates with the public, as the Minister is well aware, is that of serial re-offenders who are availing of the free legal aid system. The point is regularly made that these people make no contribution whatsoever. Perhaps that is a failure of the means test within the system. It has been pointed out by the public, quite rightly, that the local property tax can be collected directly by the Revenue Commissioners. Revenue can access people's employers or their bank accounts to collect the property tax but, at the same time, the recovery of money for the subscription towards free legal aid does not seem to be possible. This issue must be addressed because the wider public is hugely concerned about this.

When does the Minister hope to introduce the proposed legislation? Will the heads of a Bill be published before the Committee Stage debate?

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