Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 5

Written Answers - Law Centres.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

190 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 555 of 1 May 2001, in connection with the closure of the Mount Street law centre, he will confirm the address at which the Legal Aid Board have acquired a property in the Smithfield area; if contracts are signed for the property; if it is fitted out; when access is available; the space which has been set aside for the Mount Street staff and their clients; his views on the fact that if the staff move to Smithfield there will be no law centre for the south side of the city from the Liffey to Wicklow; if he will consider asking the Legal Aid Board to make space for the Mount Street clients and staff in a building in Montague Court, Dublin 2 and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13135/01]

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

I am informed by the Legal Aid Board that the address of the premises which they have acquired in the Smithfield area is 48/49 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. I am informed that the lease on the property has been agreed and will be signed once the fit-out of the premises has been completed. I understand that a contract for the fit-out has been signed and that work has commenced and is due for completion by early July. I am informed that the new accommodation will offer both staff and clients improved facilities including dedicated client interview rooms.

The Deputy will appreciate that, in accordance with Section 9 (1) (f2>a) (i) and (ii) of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993, the Legal Aid Board is obliged to manage its resources economically and efficiently. In this context, I am informed that the board considers that the relocation of its Mount Street law centre to Smithfield represents the most efficient deployment of its resources, in terms of providing an efficient and cost effective legal service to people from the Dublin area, including people at present served by the Mount Street law centre.

In relation to the availability of legal services to clients on the south side of the city, I would point out that, under the terms of the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995, an applicant for legal services may apply at any law centre in the State, regardless of his or her home address. In this regard, law centres serve no particular catchment area and applicants from the greater Dublin area may apply for legal services at any of the law centres most convenient to them.

I should also mention that the Legal Aid Board operates a private practitioner scheme. Under this scheme, applicants are given the option of either going to a private solicitor of their choice from the panel of private practitioners, or of having their names added to the waiting list at the law centre. I am informed that there are solicitors from the south city and south county area on the panel.

In relation to the premises at Montague Court, I am informed that this building is fully occupied by staff of the Refugee Legal Service.