Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 214: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will substantially increase the resources available to the Legal Aid Board in view of the fact that individuals are currently waiting for periods of between three to six months for legal aid services. [38668/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am pleased to be able to advise the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board is currently providing legal services to all eligible persons within a maximum period of four months nationwide. In fact, at most of the Board's Law Centres the waiting time for an appointment for a solicitor was two months or less at the end of October 2006. 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.