Seanad debates

Tuesday, 24 June 2003

European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001: Report and Final Stages.

 

I presume that people who bring cases under this legislation will be granted free legal aid as they fall into that category in other contexts. It is fine to take a case before a lesser court of law where the proceedings will not be overly expensive, but once the action moves to the High Court it can be extremely expensive. If an individual is trying to argue a declaration of incompatibility in the High Court, regardless of whether there is an immediate prospect of personal benefit, I would certainly hope that he or she would have the benefit of free legal aid. It is extremely important that we would ensure it is available in regard to these important points of convention law. I am taking it that this is the position, but I would be grateful if the Minister of State would clarify the matter.

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