Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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1324. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will revise the income guidelines to qualify for free legal aid; if she will extend the list of expenses which can be considered when determining eligibility for this service to include a wide range of other household and cost of living expenses (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2368/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As you will be aware, I am committed to undertaking a review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme and my Department is currently working to finalise the mode and terms of reference of the review.

As part of the review process, it is intended that there will be significant consultation to ensure that the insights of a range of stakeholders regarding the operation of the scheme – and how best to support those of insufficient means with legal needs – will inform the work of the Review Group. One of the areas which may be considered in the review is eligibility for civil legal aid. The review may also contain a research element which could, among other things, identify international approaches to supporting people with legal assistance needs.

Since the Civil Legal Aid Scheme was established over 40 years ago, Irish society has changed and the demands on the Scheme have grown. In order to provide maximum benefit to those it was established to serve, within the finite resources available to fund legal aid, a robust, comprehensive review of the Scheme is now timely.

Ultimately the review should map out a future for the Civil Legal Aid Scheme; one which will provide for a flexible service that has, as far as possible, the capacity and resources to respond to the priority legal assistance needs of those of insufficient means.

Dependent on finalisation of the approach and confirmation of membership, it is envisaged that the Review Group will commence its work early this year.