Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will implement the recommendations of FLAC's, Blueprint for Civil Legal Aid in Ireland, published in July 2005 in view of his own acknowledgement that recourse to the protection of civil law is not within the reach of those who cannot afford to pay for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31046/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As I set out in my response to Question No. 38 on 20 October 2005, my Department provides for wide access to civil legal advice and assistance via the Legal Aid Board and its nationwide network of law centres. The board's services are available to persons of modest means and at little cost. Funding for the board has been increased by 16% since last year to €21.362 million in 2005 and this additional funding has contributed to a significant improvement in waiting times across the country. Under the Civil Legal Aid Act, services are available from the board for a wide range of matters and a priority service is in place for persons seeking legal services in certain urgent matters.

I understand that the board is to publish a new corporate strategy for the years 2006 to 2008 before the end of the year. While the report referred to by the Deputy is a welcome contribution to the debate on this subject and while some of the issues raised will feed into future developments in this field, my priority will be to work with the board in achieving the implementation of its strategy and continuing to improve services for its clients.