Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
183. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount the criminal legal aid scheme cost in 2012 and for each of the previous four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9147/13]
View answerTotal expenditure on criminal legal aid for the years referred to by the Deputy was as follows:
2012 €50.5m
2011 €56.1m
2010 €56.5m
2009 €60.3m
2008 €55.2m.
The total expenditure for 2012 represented a reduction of 10% over 2011. This reduction in the annual expenditure is the largest ever recorded and represents a fall of approximately €10 million, or 16%, over the peak recorded in 2009. The reductions follow savings measures I have introduced since coming into office including cuts to fees in 2011.
