asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to provide free legal aid to all children who appear before a court on a serious charge, irrespective of means; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Legal Aid.
75.
The criminal legal aid scheme is at present under review. However, I understand that, in practice, free legal aid is rerely refused in criminal proceedings in which children appear before a court.
There was one case where the children had no legal advice on the matter. The Minister might insist that they will be given some protection when they are charged by the State. When young people get into trouble if they come from the affluent sector they have plenty of legal advice, but if they come from the other side of the tracks they have no legal advice. That is a deplorable situation.
The Deputy's question relates to the provision of a free legal aid scheme, irrespective of means. We cannot do that. There has to be a means test. I am concerned to ensure that every person who is entitled to legal aid would get it. One of the matters which is under examination with a view to improving the system of free legal aid in criminal cases will deal with that precise problem.