asked the Minister for Justice if he will amend the scheme for Civil Legal Aid so as to extend legal assistance to persons residing in Ireland entitled to receive it for the processing of child abduction and other family law disputes in courts outside this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Civil Legal Aid.
11.
I am not aware that problems are caused to the persons mentioned through the absence of legal aid in other countries, and I have no proposals to amend the scheme in the manner suggested by the Deputy.
I understand from the Legal Aid Board that in cases such as this it is normal practice for the board's solicitors to give assistance by making inquiries on behalf of the applicant as to how legal aid may be obtained in the other jurisdiction. In the majority of cases this will involve making contact with legal aid solicitors in England. I might add also that consideration is being given to signature by the State of the Council of Europe Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid. The object of this Agreement is to provide machinery to enable people in one country to apply for legal aid in another country via an official transmitting authority.