Vol. 546 No. 1
164 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will establish an office in Kilkenny or Waterford to offer legal services to asylum seekers who require assistance and advice with their applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31286/01]
The Deputy will be aware that the refugee legal service is provided by the legal aid board under the terms of the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995. In this context, the board has sole responsibility for the provision of legal services to applicants for asylum status, including the location of law centres. I am informed that the board has no plans to open centres in Kilkenny or Waterford at this time. I can also inform the Deputy that the board already operates an outreach legal service from a number of locations at present to facilitate applicants at these locations. I am advised that the board continually monitors the situation at all dispersed locations, in the context of demand for its services and the availability of resources, with a view to meeting the needs of its clients at those locations.
