Vol. 458 No. 8
93 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reports that the Legal Aid Board allowed the veto of an appointment (details supplied); his views on whether the board was right to solve this dilemma by refusing to make any appointment; the efforts, if any, the board made in order to thoroughly investigate and mediate in this situation; and the board's plans, if any, to strengthen the legal aid services there. [17801/95]
The employment and assignment of persons to the post of solicitor in law centres is the responsibility of the Legal Aid Board who operate in accordance with public service procedures in relation to those matters. The board operates a career break system for staff under those procedures. I am informed by the board that the post of solicitor in the law centre which is the subject matter of this question is already staffed on a permanent basis and that there is no vacancy there to which any person may be appointed. As in the case of other law centres the staffing of that centre is, I understand, being kept under review having regard to the demands placed on it for legal services.
