Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 2

Written Answers. - Legal Aid Scheme.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

140 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has raised with the Civil Legal Aid Board its practice of taking child benefit into account when assessing income, particularly in view of the fact it is the only board or agency to do so; the result of any representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10042/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

As and from 6 January 1998, child benefit has not been assessed as income by the Legal Aid Board when determining an applicant's eligibility for legal services under the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995.