Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I stress the important work of the Legal Aid Board. A review is under way to identify how the board can support even more people and examine the structures in place, which have never been amended, to increase the number of people who can access the support among those who need it. This new legislation will require additional resources and will require us to ensure legal support is available for people who need it. A sum of €3 million was allocated in this year's budget for that reason. As I mentioned, the Legal Aid Board is making its submission to try to put these resources in place for when the legislation is agreed. To return to a previous point, we will also need additional judges to ensure the legislation can be implemented. Funding is in place and we will have a report from Brigid McManus in a couple of weeks. All this will ensure that when the legislation is up and running, people can have access to justice, whether that means getting support through the Legal Aid Board or being able to go to court when that is necessary. Over time, the funding will need to increase but it is important that we have this money available to start and that when the legislation is passed there is nothing holding it up. This started when I had responsibility for mental health which is a while ago at this stage. It is important that nothing prevents it from progressing.

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