asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money spent on free legal aid in the financial year 1982; if he will specify the type of case in which legal aid was granted viz. marital disruption; and the number of barring orders or other separation arrangements that resulted in cases in which free legal aid was granted e.g. criminal proceedings for theft, car stealing, other specific offences and other categories.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Free Legal Aid.
Limerick East): I assume that the question is intended to relate to both the criminal and civil legal aid schemes although a contribution is required from persons aided under the civil legal aid scheme.
Expenditure under the criminal legal aid scheme in 1982 was £1,777,950.
Expenditure under the civil legal aid and advice scheme in 1982 amounted to £1,198,200. The only breakdown available as to the numbers and types of cases in which aid and/or advice was given under this scheme in 1982 is as follows:
Types of case |
Number of persons given legal advice only |
Number of persons given legal advice and representation in Court |
Matrimonial and Family |
2,877 |
1,138 |
Landlord and Tenant |
252 |
38 |
Tort |
170 |
3 |
Contract |
163 |
2 |
Employer/Employee |
133 |
— |
Miscellaneous |
545 |
11 |
Totals |
4,140 |
1,192 |
It would require a disproportionate expenditure and public time and money to compile the other information sought by the Deputy.