Bernard Allen
Question:157 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice the total cost of the Free Legal Aid Scheme in 1989, 1990 and 1991.
Written Answers. - Free Legal Aid Scheme.
There are two legal aid schemes which are funded by my Department. The first, the Scheme of Civil Legal Aid and Advice, is a contributory scheme administered by the Legal Aid Board. The other, the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme which is administered by the Courts, is free. I am presuming that the Deputy's question refers to the latter.
Costs associated with the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme are made up of (i) payment of fees and expenses to the private lawyers (Counsel and Solicitors) who operate the scheme, which came to £2,788,346, £2,689,520 and £3,153,000, in each of the years 1989, 1990 and 1991, respectively, and (ii) administration costs. It would not be possible to put a value on the costs associated with the administration of the scheme without a disproportionate amount of staff time being allocated to the task. However, these costs would not be of significant proportions.
Also, there is an arrangement known as the Attorney General's Scheme under which certain legal costs of members of the public are paid by the Attorney General's Office in bail applications, habeas corpus and other State side matters where the High Court so recommends. I am advised by the Attorney General's Office that expenditure incurred in each of the years 1989, 1990 and 1991 under the Attorney General's scheme was £66,237, £126,683 and £84,433, respectively.