John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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816. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28033/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Work on the preparation of a draft General Scheme of a Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill is at an advanced stage in my Department. The key purpose of the legislation is to transfer the administration of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme to the Legal Aid Board and to give effect to Government Programme commitments in respect of criminal legal aid, including introducing a more rigorous and objective means testing system for criminal legal aid, provision for contributions, and new sanctions. It is my intention to seek approval of Government for the General Scheme of the Bill and submit it to the Oireachtas for pre-legislative scrutiny as early as is practicable.