Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a matter of grave concern that serial reoffending, and people offending while on bail, causes immense anger to people and the community at large. That is very well put. Again, it is a matter we have to keep under review because many serious cases and issues have arisen while people were out on bail and serious crimes were committed. The general scheme of a criminal legal aid Bill is currently being prepared. The key purpose of that general scheme will be to transfer the administration of the criminal legal aid scheme to the Legal Aid Board. A number of reforms are being considered for inclusion in the scheme, including new sanctions relating to the provision of false or misleading information, introducing an improved financial assessment system for criminal legal eligibility and updating the law on criminal legal aid generally. When that legislation is approved by the Government and comes before the House, there will be an opportunity for Deputies to make their contributions and input into that. That will involve reform of the system.

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