Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2004
34 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time for an appointment with a solicitor at the legal aid centres; the longest waiting time at any particular centre; his views on whether such waiting times are acceptable; the additional funding which has been provided to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12682/04]
View answerThe Legal Aid Board does not routinely collect information relating to an average waiting time for people seeking services. However, it does record the length of time the person longest on the waiting list has waited. The following table includes the length of time the person longest on the waiting list has waited for legal services as of March 2004 by law centre.
In relation to persons waiting to see a solicitor, the board operates a procedure whereby priority is accorded for certain categories of cases, for example, domestic violence, child care, child abduction and other cases where there are time limits. These cases are dealt with immediately and such applicants are not placed on a waiting list. Such a system for priorities is necessary to ensure that, for example, persons who are subjected to domestic violence and cases involving the care of children are provided with speedy service. In 2003 priority appointments were offered by law centres to over 22% of applicants for the board's services.
In addition, managing solicitors at law centres have authority to give priority to any case on the waiting list at their centre. For example, if an applicant is gravely ill, or in cases where an applicant is in danger of losing assets or of losing title to a legal remedy if legal services are delayed, the managing solicitor can accord such cases priority status.
The board continuously monitors the operation of its law centre network to ensure that its resources are used to maximum effect in making its services available to the greatest possible number of eligible persons. I can further inform the Deputy that the additional management posts which were made available in recent years are enabling the board to develop a more structured change management approach to the provision of civil legal aid throughout the State. This approach is geared to examine the throughput of cases at law centres and where waiting times, for whatever reason, become excessive the position is examined by the board with a view to taking remedial action.
The Deputy will be aware that the grant-in-aid to the legal aid board for this year is €18.388 million, an increase of almost 5% over the 2003 provision of €17.539 million. The level of resources provided to the Legal Aid Board in recent years has increased significantly. In 1997 the grant-in-aid available to the board was €10.656 million. The figure for 2004 represents an increase of almost 73% during this period. During this period also sanction to employ additional staff was conveyed to the board. Since 1997 sanctioned posts in the board's law centre network increased from 191 to 215, of which 89 are solicitor posts, an increase of eight solicitor posts.
|
Law Centre |
Waiting Time (Months) |
|
Cavan |
1.75 |
|
Clare |
12.5 |
|
Cork |
|
|
—Pope’s Quay |
11 |
|
—South Mall |
11 |
|
Donegal |
10.5 |
|
Dublin |
|
|
—Blanchardstown |
8.75 |
|
—Brunswick Street |
10.75 |
|
—Clondalkin |
4.5 |
|
—Finglas |
12.75 |
|
—Gardiner Street |
11 |
|
—Ormond Quay |
2.75 |
|
—Tallaght |
10.25 |
|
Galway |
12.25 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
|
Kildare |
11 |
|
Kilkenny |
12 |
|
Laois |
16 |
|
Limerick |
4.75 |
|
Longford |
0 |
|
Louth |
6.75 |
|
Mayo |
1.75 |
|
Meath |
13 |
|
Monaghan |
2.5 |
|
Offaly |
2.25 |
|
Sligo |
4.75 |
|
Tipperary |
6.75 |
|
Waterford |
5 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
|
Wexford |
5.75 |
|
Wicklow |
11 |
