Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 670: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to alter or change the guidelines for applicants seeking free legal aid from the Legal Aid Board centres to ensure that persons with low income can make a successful application for such aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29235/05]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 671: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applicants on the waiting list for free legal aid at the Newbridge and Carlow centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29236/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 670 and 671 together.

The number of persons awaiting a first appointment with a solicitor at the end of August 2005 at the centres in question is:

These waiting times reflect the progress made by the Legal Aid Board in reducing waiting times across the law centre network over the past year, which has been greatly facilitated by a 16% increase in the board's funding over 2004. The Legal Aid Board operates a procedure whereby priority is accorded for certain categories of cases, for example, domestic violence and child care cases as well as cases where time limits apply. These cases are dealt with immediately and such applicants are not placed on a waiting list.

Financial eligibility limits are prescribed in the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 2002 and are being kept under ongoing review.