Vol. 449 No. 1
94 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform in view of the difficulties at the Employment Appeals Tribunal, if he will introduce a system of free legal aid for applicants in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3134/95]
Legal advice on civil law matters in general, including matters which may become the subject of proceedings before tribunals, is available under the Scheme of Civil Legal Aid and Advice since its establishment in 1979. Legal Aid, as such, is available for proceedings before a court but not a tribunal. If, however, the decision of a tribunal is appealed to the courts, both legal aid and advice may be provided.
The subject matter of this question has been under review. As the Deputy may be aware the Civil Legal Aid Bill, 1995 has been presented in Seanad Éireann. The Bill provides a statutory framework for the Scheme of Civil Legal Aid and Advice and it enables me, as Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to make an order to extend legal aid to proceedings before a tribunal such as the Employment Appeals Tribunal. I propose to consider the question of the operation of that provision in due course taking into account progress on the current development and expansion of the Legal Aid Board's services and the Exchequer position.
