Vol. 557 No. 6
209 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if increases in charges to individuals, to companies or to groups have been sanctioned to be charged by agencies or units under the aegis of his Department; and the changes being made in absolute and in percentage terms. [23100/02]
I can inform the Deputy that S.I. No. 8 of 2002 updated the limits used to determine financial eligibility for civil legal aid and also updated the financial contribution requirements for legal aid and legal advice with effect from 1 February 2002. I can also inform the Deputy that there is an increase in Garda non-public duty allowances and current fees for abstracts of police reports and copies of statements which will take effect from a current date. These increases are in line with the PPF agreement of 5.5% increase from 1 October 2001 and 4% increase from 1 October 2002. I can also inform the Deputy that proposals have been formulated and are with my Department for increases in court fees in line with the consumer price index. No decision has yet been reached on the matter.
