Written Answers Nos. 1038-1057
1038. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the proposal contained within the draft Programme for Government to enact legislation to establish a modern, fit-for-purpose coronial system and ensure that all coronial appointments are made following a public recruitment process; to outline a timeline for delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1742/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in October 2024, my Department published a Public Consultation on reform of the Coroner Service. I also secured the Government’s approval to draft the general scheme of a Bill to significantly reform the Coroner Service to increase efficiencies and minimise the impact of the death investigation process on bereaved people.
Department of Justice officials will, over the coming months, work closely with relevant stakeholders, with the intention of bringing Heads of Bill to Government in 2025, along with a fully costed model for a reformed Coroner Service which will address all aspects of the Coroner Service.
It is envisaged that a restructured and modernised Coroner Service will drive consistency and will assist coroners to better meet the needs of bereaved people through the provision of enhanced ICT, administrative and family liaison supports.
1039. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice to provide a timeframe for the recruitment of additional reservists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1743/25]
View answer1055. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the latest intake into the Garda reserve. [2000/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1039 and 1055 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner is also responsible for the Garda Reserve under the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2024. As Minister, I have no role in the recruitment or training process for the Reserve.
The most recent competition to recruit Garda Reserves attracted around 1,800 applications.
I am advised that an initial group of applicants were invited to interview across August and September 2024. Candidates deemed suitable are now being invited to complete Garda vetting and it is my understanding as soon as candidates are cleared through the vetting process, they will be invited to a Garda Reserve intake. They can then begin training under the supervision of the Garda College to ensure they can support Garda Members in their duties on the frontline.
I am informed by AGS that the first intake of Reserve Trainees is expected to enter Templemore early this year.
1040. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by An Garda Síochána where that address is located in Dublin; the full address and Eircode of each property that is used as a prison or place of detention where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1755/25]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware, under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business which includes all decisions and operational matters concerning the Garda Estate. Furthermore the management of each property in the Garda estate is a matter for the OPW. The Minister as such has no direct role in such matters.
To be of assistance I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and the Irish Prison Service.
I am advised that for operational reasons, An Garda Síochána are not in a position to provide complete information for this request. Security considerations limit An Garda Síochána from the publication of information related to buildings occupied by Garda personnel.
An Garda Siochana's website contains a station directory and the Deputy can find information on the number, address and Eircode of all Garda stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region from there.
www.garda.ie/en/contact-us/station-directory/
I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that the below table contains the address and Eircode of each property that is used as a prison where that address is located in Dublin.
|
Prison |
Address |
|
Arbour Hill Prison |
Arbour Hill, Dublin 7, D07 YV40 |
|
Mountjoy Prison |
North Circular Road, Dublin 7, D07 YC97 |
|
Dochas Centre Prison |
North Circular Road, Dublin 7, D07 YC97 |
|
Cloverhill Prison |
Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, D22 WC84 |
|
Wheatfield Prison |
Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, D22 Y2V5 |
|
Training Unit |
Glengarriff Parade, North Circular Road, Dublin 7 (Located on the Mountjoy campus) |
1041. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by her Department where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1768/25]
View answerMy Department conducts its operations in buildings which are either State owned or rented or leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Business Area |
Address |
Eircode |
|
Department of Justice Head Office |
51 Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 |
D02 HK52 |
|
Department of Justice |
7-8 Ely Place, Dublin 2 |
D02 TW98 |
|
Department of Justice Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland Property Services Regulatory Authority |
Floor 2, Bishop's Square, Redmond's Hill, Dublin 2 |
D02 TD99 |
|
Immigration Service Delivery |
13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 |
D02 XK70 |
|
International Protection Office |
Timberlay House, 79-83 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2 |
D02 ND99 |
|
International Protection Office |
85-93 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2 |
D02 VP79 |
|
Department of Justice Immigration Service Delivery International Protection Appeals Tribunal |
6-7 Hanover Street, Dublin 2 |
D02 W320 |
|
Immigration Service Delivery |
Chapter House, 26-30 Abbey St Upr, Dublin 1 |
D01 C7W6 |
|
Immigration Service Delivery |
Border Management Unit, Dublin Airport, Swords, Co. Dublin |
K67 E3X6 |
1042. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Justice to provide the number of Garda cars and vans attached to Laois Garda Division as of 9 January 2025; and a comparable figure for 9 January 2022. [1803/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including the Garda fleet, across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the end of December 2024, there were 3,589 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána. This represents an increase of over 15% since the end of December 2020.
I am advised that on 31 December 2024 , the latest date for when figures are available, there were 77 vehicles attached to the Laois/Offaly Division which represents an increase of over 13% since the end of December 2021.
The tables below, which were provided to me by the Garda authorities, set out these vehicles by type.
|
Garda Fleet Laois/Offaly 31 December 2024 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
Total |
49 |
20 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
77 |
|
Garda Fleet Laois/Offaly 31 December 2021 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
Total |
49 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
68 |
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
1043. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice if she will take steps to create a dedicated court for serious sexual trials so that trials can be "specially fixed", thereby reducing unpredictability and delays for victims, witnesses and accused persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1816/25]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that I am committed to creating an effective and victim centred approach to handling sexual offence cases which aims to protect victims from re-traumatisation and encourage more individuals to come forward, thereby facilitating a smoother judicial process.
As the Deputy will be aware, in 2022, I commenced the Criminal Procedure Act 2021, which allows for pre-trial hearings for the first time in Irish law.
The introduction of preliminary trial hearings is one of a number of recommendations of ‘Supporting a Victims Journey’, my plan to reform the criminal justice system to make it more victim-centred. Their use improves the trial processes for a range of offences, including sexual offence cases by helping the trial process run more smoothly and reducing the potential for further trauma for victims.
Preliminary trial hearings also allow for certain technical and sensitive matters to be addressed in advance of the trial itself starting. In the case of sexual offence cases this includes defence applications to question a victim about his or her sexual experience.
I am committed to doing as much as I can to make the trial process more efficient and as sensitive to the needs of the victim as possible, while still protecting the important rights that accused persons have to defend themselves robustly.
In August 2024, I commenced parts 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 which:
• Ensures anonymity for victims in all trials for sexual offences,
• Extends the right to separate legal representation to victims of sexual assault if they are being questioned about their previous sexual history,
• Ensures that character evidence at a sentencing hearing for a person convicted of a sexual offence must be made on oath or via affidavit.
In addition, my Department participates in a Criminal Justice Users’ Group convened by Mr. Justice Paul McDermott. The group is examining practical measures that will reduce delays in those cases involving children that are dealt with by the Central Criminal Court, which includes the most serious cases of sexual assaults.
I understand that the detail of these measures will be announced shortly and, once their effectiveness in practice has been established, the intention is that similar approaches will be developed for cases involving adults and for the other courts.
While there are actions contained within the new draft programme for Government, it will be a matter for the next Government to bring these proposals forward.
1044. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice if she will give a timeline for the full reinstatement of criminal legal aid fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1817/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, over the past 2 years, I have secured an 18% increase in the fees paid under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. The budget for criminal legal aid will increase in 2025 by over €9m which includes an 8% increase in fees from 1 January 2025. This is in addition to the 10% increase in fees secured in Budget 2024.
I am committed to building on this progress and I previously indicated that it was my intention that fees would be restored as part of Budget 2026. My Department continues to engage with the Bar Council, the Law Society and all relevant stakeholders on the modernisation and funding structure of the scheme.
1045. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice to provide a schedule of all foreign travel undertaken by her and her accompanying officials in 2023 and 2024, including flight, hotel, transfers and other miscellaneous costs. [1865/25]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
1046. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied). [1879/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 07 February 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Addis Ababa office on the 22 February 2024. The application was received in the Abu Dhabi Visa Office on the 23 February 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
1047. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice number of domestic abuse refuge beds in Kerry in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [1884/25]
View answerOne of the overarching goals of Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV, which I published in June 2022, is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and under the Strategy we have committed to doubling the number of refuge units across the country.
This represents the fastest ever expansion of refuge accommodation in this country.
To accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year, I formally established Cuan - the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency – at the start of last year. Cuan is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency, to put in place the necessary structures and supports for organisations to further develop refuge accommodation.
In 2025, Cuan expects 22 new units to be delivered in Dublin and Louth, with a further 49 units due to be under construction or due for refurbishment in 2025. This is in addition to the 12 new units delivered in 2024, including the state-of-the-art new refuge in Wexford. This will bring the total amount of new units delivered and under construction to 230 by the end of 2025. This is from a starting point of 140 at the outset of the Strategy.
Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Strategy and has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges.
As the Deputy's question relates to work being carried out by Cuan and data held by Cuan, I have referred it to the agency for direct response.
1048. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of juvenile liaison officers, by rank, attached to the Kerry Garda division in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1931/25]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that at the end of October 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 114 members of An Garda Síochána allocated to Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) duties across the State, not inclusive of personnel allocated to the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau (GNYDB) at Garda Headquarters.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that there are, as of end of October 2024 (the latest date for when figures are available) four JLOs of Garda rank assigned to Kerry Division. This number has remained unchanged since the end of December 2020 up to end October 2024. Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that JLOs are sworn members of An Garda Síochána and are appointed at Divisional level on full time JLO duties.
1049. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí in Kerry who have left the force in each year since 2020, in tabular form. [1932/25]
View answer1050. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by county, who have left the force in each year since 2020, in tabular form. [1933/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1049 and 1050 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and therefore, resource management is a matter for the Commissioner.
I am assured that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
As of the end of December 2024 there were 14,191 Garda members assigned across the country. This represents an increase of almost 11% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
As of the same date, there were 340 Garda members of all ranks assigned to Kerry Division. This represents an increase of over 13% since the end of December 2015.
In the interest of transparency, the number of Garda members nationwide at the end of December 2009 up to 31 October 2024 (the latest date available for figures) broken down by Division, District and Station are published on my Department's website.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
The table below sets out the number of retirements and resignations in An Garda Síochána since the end of 2020 up to end December 2024. Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
|
Year |
Retirements |
Resignations |
|
2020 |
250 |
69 |
|
2021 |
293 |
95 |
|
2022 |
340 |
110 |
|
2023 |
319 |
171 |
|
2024 |
234 |
140 |
|
Total |
1436 |
585 |
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Gardaí in Kerry who have left the force in each year since 2020 could not be fully provided within the required timeframe.
The Government is committed to supporting Garda recruitment. In Budget 2025, over €2.48 billion has been allocated to An Garda Síochána. This is a 27% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of new Garda recruits through the year.
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to Garda Resignations and Retirements is publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link: Commissioner's Monthly Reports to Policing Authority - Garda
1051. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice to provide a breakdown of the number of Garda officers, by rank, attached to all Kerry Garda stations in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025; the number of Garda officers who retired from Meath east Garda stations in the same period, in tabular form. [1934/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of Garda members assigned to Kerry Garda division in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and October 2024, the latest date figures are available.
|
Division |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
October 2024 |
|
Kerry |
351 |
351 |
345 |
336 |
340 |
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Gardaí in Kerry who have left the force could not be fully provided within the required timeframe.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to to the allocation of Garda Members by Division, District, and Station is publicly available and can be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for October from An Garda Síochána which have been published on the website.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to retirements are publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link: Commissioner's Monthly Reports to Policing Authority - Garda
1052. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if she has ever sought a review of the Garda resource allocation model to ensure a fair distribution of Gardaí across the State; if so, the date on which this was requested; the terms of the review and the date on which it was or will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1935/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda resources. This includes the allocation of Garda members to a given Division, District or Station across the State. As Minister, I have no role in this process and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to same.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
While the Commissioner is responsible for the management of Garda resources, I am in regular contact with him to ensure that he has the resources needed to keep people safe. This commitment to supporting An Garda Síochána is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.48 billion in Budget 2024, a 27% increase since 2020. This level of funding is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
1053. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the measures taken to roll out the voluntary restorative justice programme; what additional measures, if any, will be taken as part of the new Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1936/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, there has been much work done to date to support the expansion of restorative justice services, in line with the policy paper ‘Promoting and supporting the provision of Restorative Justice at all stages of the criminal justice system’, published in August 2023.
Restorative justice is defined in Irish law as any scheme through which, with the consent of each party, a victim and an offender or alleged offender engage with one another to resolve, with the assistance of an impartial third party, matters arising from the relevant offence or alleged offence.
Restorative justice is a process that evidence shows can support victims to recover from the impact of crime as well as serving to reduce reoffending. It is an integral part of the work of the Probation Service which established a Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit in 2018.
In Budget 2025 the Probation Service received an additional €4 million, bringing the total budget to over €60m to expand restorative justice and crime diversion programmes, and to support step down facilities and community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
In 2024, €20 million of funding went toward the continued development of 60 community-based organisations, €1 million of funding provided supported the development of capacity in community-based organisations that facilitate restorative justice services.
The Probation Service will shortly publish a three-year Restorative Justice Plan aimed at promoting greater awareness and supporting increased use across the system. The plan will also detail how the Probation Service will further drive the integration of restorative justice into all its services and expand its provision nationally.
The Probation Service delivers restorative justice directly, and through several community-based organisations that receive referrals at specific points in the criminal justice process and is currently providing funding to five community-based organisations to provide dedicated restorative justice programmes.
These 5 programmes, and the areas they provide services to, are listed below:
Restorative Justice Services - Dublin, Wicklow, Meath and Kildare
Restorative Justice in the Community - Tipperary, Laois, Offaly and has recently expanded to Westmeath*
Le Chéile - Limerick, Kerry*, Cork* & Clare (for young people aged 16-24 years)
Cornmarket Project - Wexford
Tuam Community Training Centre – Galway*, Sligo*, and Roscommon*.
In 2024, services were newly introduced in the counties indicated with an asterisk.
Other Probation Service-funded CBOs also use restorative approaches in their work with clients to promote respectful relationships and address the harm caused by their offending.
Towards the end of 2024, the Probation Service sought Expressions of Interest from community-based organisations for the expansion of restorative justice services in the following regions: Donegal; Southwest region; Kilkenny; and Carlow. Funding was awarded to expand restorative justice service delivery in Kilkenny, Carlow and the Southwest.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the incoming Government has set the priorities in the draft Programme for Government. Work to progress these commitments will commence on the appointment of the new Government. The Deputy will also appreciate that, as a result, timelines or operational details on policy proposals are not available until work programmes are agreed.
1054. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice to provide details on the Government's proposals to legislate for the removal of guardianship rights from guardians who have murdered their child's parent; whether this is intended to be a standalone Bill or as part of larger reforms; and to provide a timeline for such reform. [1963/25]
View answerThe independent review of familicide, published in May 2023, was commissioned by my Department in order to effectively respond to this difficult but important subject.
A significant number of the recommendations made in the familicide review are being progressed as part of our work to tackle domestic abuse and protect victims.
A team has been established in my Department to review and progress other recommendations made in the review, including a recommendation on restricting parental rights in cases of domestic homicide.
Examination of how to progress this recommendation includes consideration of the role and power of Tusla to take appropriate child protection action in emergency situations, the importance of putting the rights and voice of the child at the centre of our responses, and ensuring that nothing is done that could prejudice a trial.
The team have been consulting with stakeholder groups comprising relevant officials, civil society partners and, most importantly, the families of victims, including those who contributed to the review.
As new data and research emerges, such as the Research Paper on Femicide in Ireland 2012–2023, published by the Office of the State Pathologist in September 2024, it is being included in the consideration of how to progress this and other recommendations.
Implementation of the recommendation is likely to require the amendment of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 to ensure that a parent in custody, accused of, or serving a sentence for, the murder or manslaughter of the other parent does not retain guardianship of the surviving child or children. Further consultation is required with Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to achieve a consensus on how to move forward with this recommendation.
Further consultation with stakeholders is scheduled to take place in February. Following this, I expect to receive a report on progressing this recommendation, along with the other recommendations, and they will be considered as a priority.
1056. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice to provide an updated timeline for the Civil Legal Aid Review; and when she expects it to be concluded and the report published. [2003/25]
View answerIn its over forty years of operation, the Civil Legal Aid Scheme has been a significant and beneficial public service, providing legal aid and advice to people of limited means in civil disputes, including family law.
However, since the Scheme was set up, Irish society has changed, and the demands on the service have grown. In June 2022, I established the Civil Legal Aid Review Group to review the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme and make recommendations for its future.
The Review Group is chaired by a former Chief Justice. The membership of the group is drawn from legal practitioners, academics, Department officials, those who work with marginalised groups, and representatives from the Legal Aid Board, which administers the statutory scheme.
I understand that the Group are in the final stages of drafting their report, which it is expected will shortly be presented for consideration by the Minister.
