asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to establish one of the recently announced legal assistance centres in Waterford city and, if not, why; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Legal Assistance Centres.
3.
The Government announcement concerning the introduction of a civil legal aid and advice scheme, which was issued on 3 May indicated that it was the intention to establish an independent board, as recommended by the Pringle Committee, whose function would be to administer the scheme. Though I and the Minister of State, Deputy Andrews, have both indicated publicly our belief that Waterford would be one of the places where a legal aid centre would in fact be established under the scheme, it will be a matter for the board to determine where such centres should be established.
I am pleased to hear that Waterford has been recommended. I should like to ask the Minister to expedite the establishment of these centres in view of the tremendous hardship being experienced by battered wives, deserted wives and single-parent families. Can the Minister indicate when we can expect an announcement about the establishment of such centres?
That announcement has been made already. It was stated that it was hoped that the centres would be in operation by the end of the year.
Is that still the position?
That is still the aim and what we hope for. I should like to assure the Deputy that it will not be my fault if that hope is not realised.