Written answers

Tuesday, 2 November 2004

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Criminal Legal Aid

9:00 pm

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 419: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of cases granted legal aid has been severely curtailed and reduced due to funding restrictions; if a substantial increase in funding for the Legal Aid Board will be provided in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26944/04]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The level of resources provided to the Legal Aid Board has increased significantly in recent years. For example, in 1997 the grant-in-aid available to the board was €10.656 million. The figure for 2004 represents an increase of almost 73% during this period, and I expect that the funding for the board will be further increased in 2005.

I assure the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board continuously monitors the operation of its law centre network and operates a procedure whereby priority is accorded for certain categories of cases, for example, domestic violence, child care, child abduction and other cases where there are time limits. These cases are dealt with immediately and such applicants are not placed on a waiting list. Such a system for priority treatment is necessary to ensure that persons subjected to domestic violence and cases involving the care of children are provided with a speedy service. It is important to note that in 2003, priority appointments offered by law centres amounted to approximately 22% of the total number of appointments offered to new clients during the year.

In addition, managing solicitors at law centres have authority to give priority to any case on the waiting list at their centre. For example, if an applicant is gravely ill or in cases where an applicant is in danger of losing assets or of losing title to a legal remedy if services are delayed, the managing solicitor can accord such cases priority status.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.