Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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127. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 20 June 2024, if she can be more specific as to when the Civil Legal Aid Review Group will issue its recommendations; when she expects to increase the eligibility limits for civil legal aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28422/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Group I asked to review the civil legal aid scheme is independent, led by its independent chair, former Chief Justice Frank Clarke. I am conscious that members of the Review Group are giving of their time and expertise in addition to their full-time roles and I am grateful to them for that.

I understand that the Group has been meeting intensively to conclude its work, and has scheduled weekly meetings for the month of July to progress its work towards a conclusion. Once its report has been submitted to me, I intend to consider it and bring it to Government.

On the matter of eligibility thresholds, this is included in the terms of reference for the Group to report on. I am conscious that income thresholds have not changed since 2006 and I am eager to consider the Group’s recommendations.