Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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133. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce a public defender system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10377/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Criminal Legal Aid Review Committee reported in 1999 on the feasibility of introducing a Public Defender System for Ireland. The conclusion at that time was that the existing private practitioner system should be continued as it is a more equitable, effective and economic system than a Public Defender System.

In the Programme for a Partnership Government there is a commitment to examine this issue afresh and to report to Government and the Oireachtas Committee within six months. I have asked my Department to review the above-mentioned report and to re-assess the relevant issues in the light of present day requirements and conditions.