Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce a uniform means test for free legal aid in criminal law cases similar to that used for civil cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35475/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) (Amendment) Bill referred to in the Government's Legislation Programme, as announced by the Chief Whip on 16 September 2009, proposes to strengthen the provisions for the granting of criminal legal aid. The Bill is in the course of being drafted with a view to being published as soon as possible. While the schemes of criminal legal aid and civil legal aid are distinct in the manner of their operation, including the criteria for obtaining aid, I am considering ways in which there might be some synergy between the two schemes.