asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to introduce a controlled scheme to provide legal aid for members of the Garda Síochána who are subjected to legal proceedings arising from the discharge of their duties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Legal Aid For Garda.
24.
A scheme on the lines of that applying elsewhere in the public service already exists for the payment of ex gratia grants from State funds in respect of legal expenses incurred by members of the Garda Síochána in defending themselves in court actions taken against them for acts done in the discharge of their duties. I am aware that the present system for processing applications for these ex gratia grants can give rise to delays in disposing of members' claims, and the question of improving the system is under consideration in consultation with all the parties involved. Pending the outcome of this review. I am not in a position to indicate the changes, if any, that may be made in the scheme for paying defence costs to members of the force from State funds.
I take it that the Minister is aware of the general unease in this area and of some prolonged delays which have occurred. I am very happy to hear that he is carrying out a review of this matter. Would he bear in mind in the review that the Garda Complaints Bill will very shortly become law and under that Bill the members of the force would anticipate that further proceedings may arise as a result of that legislation? I welcome the fact that the Minister is undertaking a review and I ask him to treat it as a matter of urgency.