asked the Minister for Justice at what date he expects to complete the making of the necessary regulations in order to bring all the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962 into force.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Legal Aid.
100.
I have decided to bring the scheme of free legal aid authorised by the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962, into operation on the 1st April next. The regulations to which the Deputy refers will, however, be made well in advance of that date.
101.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he has under consideration any proposals for the provision of a legal aid system in civil cases.
As I indicated in the Dáil on the Second Stage of the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill, which was enacted into law earlier this year, I consider it desirable to wait until experience has been gained of the operation of the scheme under that Act for criminal cases before exploring the possibility of a scheme for civil cases.
Has the Minister any information available to him which would indicate that a poor person who has a cause of action is in any difficulty in relation to obtaining legal aid?
I can only promise to pass on to the Minister for Justice the view expressed by the Deputy.