Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

Yes, it will be addressed. When a very detailed report comes in - or indeed two reports; I have no objection to receiving majority and minority reports - it must be carefully considered. There is no point in me announcing I will implement the report and then people asking when this will be done and how that implementation will take place.

As the Deputy will be aware, civil legal aid is provided by the legal aid board, primarily through a network of law centres and solicitors employed by the board. There are times when the board will engage private solicitors to supplement the services provided by board solicitors in certain areas of law on a case-by-case basis. I am aware of issues arising in respect of family law and predominantly women who must go before the courts because they are in a family law predicament. We need to ensure they have access to appropriate legal advice in order to facilitate them in vindicating their rights under the Constitution and under statute. It is progressing, the reports are completed and my Department is working on them. I hope to put in place a proposal in the near future for the Government.

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