Jack Wall
Question:385 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the waiting time for a person for free legal aid at the Kildare Centre, Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9570/03]
Written Answers - Legal Aid Service.
The information as requested by the Deputy in relation to waiting times for legal services at the Kildare Centre, Newbridge, County Kildare, is outlined below.
As at 28 February 2003, the length of time the person longest on the waiting list has waited for legal services at the Newbridge law centre, is 3.75 months.
I can inform the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board does not routinely collect information relating to an average waiting time for people seeking its services. However, it does record the length of time the person longest on the waiting list has waited, hence the information supplied to the Deputy.
I should also mention to the Deputy that the board operates a procedure whereby priority is accorded for certain categories of cases over other cases, for example, domestic violence, child care and cases where there are time limits. These cases are dealt with immediately. In 2002, the total number of priority appointments offered by the law centres was approximately 1650, or almost 22% of the total number of appointments offered to new clients during the year.
I can also inform the Deputy that the board continuously monitors the operation of its law centre network and where waiting times, for whatever reasons, become excessive, the position is examined by the board with a view to taking remedial action.