Vol. 512 No. 1
201 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if free legal aid will be extended to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who needs to be represented in a divorce case in Northern Ireland. [25535/99]
I am informed by the Legal Aid Board that under the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995, legal aid is available only on the application of the law of the State to a person who satisfies the financial and merits criteria laid down in the Act. Representation is not available under the Act in respect of proceedings in another jurisdiction.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that a person who seeks representation in connection with a matter which relates to the application of law other than Irish law, on application to a law centre, will be given such advice, guidance and assistance as can reasonably be given by a solicitor who is qualified to practise in this jurisdiction. Such assistance would include the making of inquiries to the Legal Aid Department in Northern Ireland about obtaining legal aid for the applicant and the transmission of documentation where necessary.
