Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the waiting periods for each of the free legal aid centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7409/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Legal Aid Board has made significant progress in reducing waiting times at its law centres so that legal services are currently being provided to all eligible persons within a maximum period of four months nationwide. At half of board's law centres the maximum waiting time at the end of January 2006 was two months or less. This progress has been achieved in large part due to the allocation of a substantial increase in the board's funding.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the board provides a priority service to persons seeking legal services for cases involving domestic violence, child care, child abduction and for certain other matters where there are statutory time limits. These cases are dealt with immediately and without going on a waiting list.

The following table sets out the waiting times at each law centre.