Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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522. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a scheme exists whereby a person (details supplied) can avail of legal aid in view of the fact that their case is currently on appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54670/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962, which is the primary legislation covering the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, provides that free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. The assignment of lawyers or the granting of aid are matters for the Court and, as such, are handled by the Judiciary. The provision of legal aid under the Scheme only applies within this State. The provisions of the Scheme do not apply outside this jurisdiction.  

There is no other scheme within my responsibility as Minister for Justice and Equality that provides for legal aid for a person accused in criminal proceedings in a foreign jurisdiction.  It is noted from the details supplied that the person referenced in the Deputy's question is receiving consular assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs.