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

While I am not aware of the exact details of the case, I know the Minister intends to have the legislation enacted in the coming month. While there might be a lead-in period, the Deputy is right that this legislation will be in place and should be implemented in the early new year, at the latest. Without knowing the details of the case, I am not sure why that would be progressing in that regard.

On what people can access when they go to the Legal Aid Board, a number of areas will be considered in the civil legal aid review chaired by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke. The work has started and the review has members from across the board. They include representatives of marginalised groups, legal practitioners, academics, Department officials and representatives from the Legal Aid Board which currently administers the scheme. The review will examine not only who can access legal aid, funding thresholds, etc., but also other elements. I have no doubt that will be part of the overall review.

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