asked the Minister for Justice when the proposed legal aid facilities will be extended to Athlone, County Westmeath; if he is aware of the great need for this facility in this town and environs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Athlone Legal Aid Facilities .
1130.
, Limerick East): Funds were not provided in the Estimates for 1983 to enable the Legal Aid Board to open additional law centres this year and, while it is a matter for the board in the first instance to make proposals for extra centres in the context of the limited funds provided, it would be unrealistic to expect that they would be in a position to establish any additional law centres in the immediate future. I understand, however, that the board have plans to provide “clinic” services on a part-time basis in Athlone as soon as suitable accommodation becomes available there. The board are empowered to provide such services under the terms of the civil legal aid scheme, the “clinics” being serviced from existing law centres.
It is my hope that the board should be enabled to expand their services as soon as financial circumstances permit.