Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will pass on the Senator's views and comments to the Minister. She is committed to undertaking a review of the civil legal aid scheme and the Department is currently working to finalise the mode and the terms of reference for the review. Dependent on the finalisation of the approach and confirmation of membership, it is envisaged that the review group will commence its work in the coming weeks. Significant consultation will be required to ensure that those in most need and whose needs are insufficient can continue to avail of the scheme within resources that of necessity must be constrained. Ultimately, the review should map out a future for the civil legal aid scheme, which in the Minister's view is one that should provide for a flexible service that has, as far as possible, the capacity and resources to respond to the priority legal assistance needs of those with insufficient means. I will pass on the Senator's comments.