Written answers

Tuesday, 4 March 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Legal Support Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Chris AndrewsChris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will establish a service to legally support Irish families who have lost loved ones abroad and find themselves unable to meet expense and layers of bureaucracy that they face in trying to access justice abroad in view of the closure of the trial of a person (details supplied). [8801/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in my capacity as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no role as such in assisting Irish nationals who require assistance overseas, including in the tragic circumstances where a loved one has died suddenly while abroad. The Department of Foreign Affairs provides this assistance through its network of Embassies and consulates. I understand that in the particular case referred to the Department of Foreign Affairs has in fact provided extensive assistance to the next of kin.

Insofar as the question of funding legal services is concerned, the position is that neither the Criminal nor Civil Legal Aid Scheme provides for representation for the next of kin of victims during the course of a criminal investigation or prosecution. Furthermore, neither provides for representation to Irish nationals involved in legal proceedings taking place wholly outside of the State. While I have great sympathy for the family in question, any such service under the Civil or Criminal Legal Aid schemes would require the introduction of new legislation.

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