Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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349. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person who has availed of free legal aid in a family law court is entitled to such aid in the event that they wish to appeal the decision of the family law court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48050/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that a person who has received legal aid for a family law matter may apply for further legal aid to appeal the decision of the Court. The application must satisfy a merits test, subject to the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995. The Solicitor and/or Barrister acting for the person would provide an opinion on making the appeal, in particular that there are grounds in law for taking the appeal and that there are reasonable prospects of success in the appeal. The cost of the appeal would also be measured against the likely benefit to the applicant. Please note that the Legal Aid Board application process for civil matters involves a financial eligibility test and most cases are subject to a contribution based on the means of the applicant.