Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath was denied free legal aid for 20 years only to be granted same in 2010. [31666/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that as the Legal Aid Board is a statutory, independent body in accordance with the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995. Any decision to grant or refuse legal aid is a matter for the Board. Furthermore, the solicitor/client relationship is protected by privilege in accordance with the terms of section 32 of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and therefore the Board does not provide information to third parties regarding a person who may or may not be a client of the Board. I can however advise the Deputy that a person who is refused legal aid may appeal this decision to an Appeal Committee which is made up of non-executive members of the Board.