Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
416. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form the total amount of money spent on criminal legal aid in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6221/14]
View answerThe Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 provides that free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means. Under the Act, the grant of legal aid entitles the applicant to the services of a solicitor and, in certain circumstances, up to two counsel, in the preparation and conduct of their defence or appeal. The granting of aid is a matter for the court. Total expenditure on criminal legal aid for the years requested by the Deputy is detailed in the table.
|
Year |
Total Amount of Expenditure - (€ million) |
|
2010 |
56.5 |
|
2011 |
56.1 |
|
2012 |
50.5 |
|
2013 |
50.9 |
The Deputy will note that the total expenditure for 2012 is €600,000 less than that for 2011. This decrease in expenditure reflects a reduction of 10% in fees payable which was implemented on 1 October 2011.
