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

In terms of international protection, Deputy Carthy is right about that. A significant number of people are seeking legal aid from the Legal Aid Board in respect of international protection. In fact, 11,689 applicants sought legal aid services in relation to international protection last year, which was an increase from nearly 10,000 the year before. That is hugely demanding for the Legal Aid Board. I am increasing the funding to the Legal Aid Board. The current budget allocation for the board for 2026 is €72 million, which is made up of €36.5 million for the pay budget and €35.6 million for the non-pay budget. When it comes to international protection and the enactment of the new international protection Bill, obviously there is a requirement within that, that we are going to provide legal counsel to individuals who are seeking assistance in respect of the international protection process. I will have to fund that. That funding will have to be made available. That will happen immediately, as of 12 June next year.

I am committed to changing the financial eligibility rules. However, I am not going to give a date here when I do not have certainty that it will be complied with by that date.

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