John O'Donoghue
Question:115 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who received criminal legal aid in 1996 and to date in 1997; the average payment per person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11652/97]
Written Answers. - Criminal Legal Aid.
Statistical information in the precise form sought by the Deputy regarding the number of persons who received criminal legal aid in 1996 and to date in 1997 is not readily available. The criminal legal aid payment system is geared towards the payment of solicitors and barristers on foot of claims and there may be a number of claims arising in an individual case. The information requested could only be compiled by the allocation of disproportionate amount of staff time. However, the following information is available.
|
1996 |
1997(31-3-97) |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
Number of claims paid: District Court |
24,697 |
7,631 |
|
Number of claims paid: Circuit and Higher Courts |
3,119 |
1,354 |
|
Average payment per claim: District Court |
197 |
183 |
|
Average payment per claim: Circuit and Higher Courts |
993 |
631 |