Vol. 427 No. 8
205 Mr. Shatter and Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce the legislation promised in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97 to place civil legal aid on a statutory basis.
The Government recognises the importance of putting the present scheme of civil legal aid and advice on a statutory footing. Legislative proposals will be linked to the review of the scheme which has been initiated.
206 Mr. Shatter and Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the likely Exchequer costs of extending a civil legal aid entitlement to tribunals as promised in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97.
The Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97 indicates that the possibility of extending civil legal aid to tribunals such as the Social Welfare Appeals Tribunal and the Employment Appeals Tribunal is to be examined. The implications for the Exchequer of the costs associated with any such expansion will form part of that examination.
