Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the programme for Government there is a commitment to increasing accessibility to the courts' legal systems. More than 40 years since the introduction of free legal aid, there is still no such option available for Irish families facing eviction from family homes and farms. I note the Josie Airey case was led by Mary Robinson at the time. The situation has led to persons regularly being sent to jail when they will not vacate their homes. We have a housing crisis. When will the Taoiseach introduce free legal aid for these people who are being intimidated by the justice system? They get legal aid in the Supreme Court after having no representation all that time. They get it then because of the Government's fear of the European courts. Will the Taoiseach please introduce free legal aid for these people who are trying to keep roofs over their heads? There are criminals with 40 previous convictions who get free legal aid - sometimes they have 100 previous convictions - yet families trying to keep a roof over their heads cannot get free legal aid.

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