John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to the State of free legal aid for the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 and a breakdown of each category in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45929/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, separate arrangements exist in respect of Criminal and Civil Legal Aid. I can inform the Deputy that the cost to the State for Criminal Legal Aid for the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 are set out in the following table.

The State, through the Legal Aid Board, also provides a comprehensive scheme of Civil Legal Aid for persons of modest means. This involves the payment of a contribution by the client towards the cost of the service. The Legal Aid Board incorporates the Refugee Legal Service. I can also inform the Deputy that the cost of providing the Civil Legal Aid Service for the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 are set out in the following table.