Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended to expand the availability of services from the Legal Aid Board beyond family law cases; the extent of funding to the Legal Aid Board at present; his plans to increase the resources available to the Legal Aid Board in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35747/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I can advise the Deputy that the high proportion of the Legal Aid Board's work which comes within the family law field reflects the nature of the demand for its services from clients. The scope of the Civil Legal Aid Act, which governs the work of the Legal Aid Board, is in fact broader than this and law centres undertake other civil law work, including medical and professional negligence cases, as well as contract and debt matters.

In so far as resources are concerned, there has been a very substantial increase in the board's core funding this year to €21.362 million and a further increase has been provided for 2006. I understand that the board is satisfied that this level of funding is adequate to meet demands for legal services in a timely manner.