John Bruton
Question:511 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the procedures which would need to be fulfilled for the establishment of a part-time law centre, for free legal aid and advice, in County Meath.
Written Answers. - Part-Time Law Centre.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the criteria under which part-time law centres are established by the Legal Aid Board. The scheme of civil legal aid and advice provides that the board may make legal services available in any area if it considers that to do so would be in the interests of providing reasonable access for those entitled to it under the scheme. The board must in addition have regard to the need to use available resources in a manner likely to maximise the benefit to persons in need or services— and take account of any views expressed by local and other interests.
I have already indicated to the House, in reply to questions on 14 December 1993, cols. 254 to 268 that I have succeeded in obtaining £5 million as grant-in-aid for the board for 1994, an increase of almost £2 million over the 1993 grant-in-aid and that this will facilitate the development and expansion of the scheme of legal aid and advice. The question of the opening of new law centres is under active consideration by the board in consultation with my Department.