Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This review is absolutely necessary. It is vital that as many people as possible, particularly stakeholders involved in the area, make submissions. I am aware of some of the fine work done via legal aid. The income thresholds are a particular difficulty. The Minister of State has stated that circumstances have changed significantly over the years. The thresholds allow for €18,000 in disposable income per annum and €100,000 in disposable assets. Further allowances can be made against these limits but the difficulty is that, in light of the cost-of-living crisis and high mortgage repayments, they do not necessarily cut the mustard. People are in very great difficulty. I have a particular case in mind wherein someone was facing an action that would possibly have had an impact on the family home. This action was being taken by someone in receipt of legal aid but the person facing it might not have qualified. I hope that issue has been dealt with but there are difficulties.

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