Eoin Ryan
Question:362 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent on criminal legal aid in each of the years 1996 and 1997. [15694/98]
Written Answers. - Criminal Legal Aid.
The amount spent on criminal legal aid in the years 1996 and 1997 was £8,251 million and £9,137 million (provisional) respectively.
Eoin Ryan
Question:363 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the review committee set up by him to review the criminal legal aid scheme has submitted a report; and, if so, if it is proposed to make it available to the public. [15695/98]
The terms of reference of the Criminal Legal Aid Review Committee are, inter alia, to review the operation of the criminal legal aid scheme and to make recommendations as to the manner in which the scheme might be improved so that it operates effectively and provides value for money. The committee is chaired by His Honour, Judge John Gerard Buchanan.
As the review committee is still in the process of considering all the issues concerned, it is not yet in a position to make a report to me. When I receive the committee's report I will consider publishing it.