andMr. Andrews asked the Minister for Justice when he expects the Tormey Committee to issue its findings; the date on which the committee was established; and its full terms of reference.
18.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Legal Aid Scheme.
17.
andMr. Andrews asked the Minister for Justice when he expects the Pringle Committee to issue its findings; when the committee was established; and its full terms of reference.
19.
andMr. Andrews asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the Free Legal Aid Advice Centre and other organisations similarly concerned require the full implementation of free legal aid to civil and criminal matters; and the action he intends taking in the matter in view of the urgency of the situation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 19, inclusive together.
The criminal legal aid scheme provided for in the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962, has been fully implemented and has in fact been in operation since 1965. The operation of that scheme is at present being reviewed by a committee under the chairmanship of District Justice Tormey.
The introduction of a comprehensive scheme of civil legal aid and advice is under examination by a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Pringle.
I understand that the Pringle Committee hope to be in a position to report to me shortly. This committee was established on 10th May, 1974, and the terms of reference are as follows:
To advise on the introduction at an early date of a comprehensive scheme of legal aid and advice in civil matters and to recommend on the form, nature and administration of the scheme and on the legislation necessary to establish it.
To consider whether, pending the introduction of a fully comprehensive scheme, it would be desirable and possible to develop as a matter of urgency a system of legal advice centres and legal aid in certain categories of cases which the Committee considered merited immediate consideration.
To estimate the cost of the scheme or schemes proposed and advise on the manner in which such scheme or schemes could be financed, including the possibility of contribution from legally aided persons and from persons having a legal obligation to provide for or to compensate such persons.
I am not in a position to say when the Tormey Committee will report. They are aware of my anxiety however to have a report as soon as possible. The Tormey Committee was established on 18th June, 1975, and its terms of reference are:
To review the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962, and to make recommendations as to the manner in which the scheme might be improved.
Can the Minister say when the Pringle Committee will report? I understand he used the expression "shortly". In relation to the Tormey Committee report there is a particularly urgent demand for the report from this committee. I do not want in any way to reflect on the work being done by the committee and the people making up the committee, but can the Minister give any information to the House as to when the Tormey Committee might report?
I cannot say when either committee will report but I am hopeful that they will both report to me shortly. I am aware of the importance of the work they are doing. It is right that I should pay tribute to the people on these committees. They are giving their free time to difficult, time-consuming work. I would mention that the Pringle Committee have met on no less than 67 occasions. This is an indication of the amount of free time the members of that committee have given. They are aware of the urgency and importance of the work and I have no doubt that they will report at the very earliest moment possible.
It is a long time now.
Can the Minister tell us how many times the Tormey Committee met?
Deputy Haughey says it is a long time. They need a long time because this is a complex question. It is a subject which has caused the greatest difficulty in other jurisdictions both as to its efficiency and in terms of cost value. I would prefer that this committee would take their time and do a proper job rather than bring in a hasty report. I am satisfied that there is no lack of energetic application by the committee. They are working hard and as speedily as the subject permits. The Tormey Committee have held 26 meetings to date.
Question No. 20.
Could the Minister tell us when the report will be implemented? I am sure the Minister knows much of what is contained in it to date and what work has been done to date. Can he say how long after publication of the report its recommendations might be implemented? Is there any time limit on that?
I do not know what is in the report and what is likely to be in it. These committees are independent and I do not keep looking over their shoulder. I am not aware of what is likely to be in the report.
Can the Minister tell us when the recommendations might be implemented? The Pringle Committee began their deliberations on the 10th May, 1974. Could we hope that the recommendations might be implemented in a period of time? Is there a time limit on these?
I obviously cannot say when the recommendations will be implemented. We will have to wait and see the recommendations and consider their implications, both financial and administrative, but I would be anxious to ensure that as far as possible they be implemented quickly.