asked the Minister for Justice the present position regarding the law centres which provide civil legal aid and advice; in particular, if he will give the names of the centres which are currently open for the purpose of giving legal advice and assistance to new clients; the centres which are currently closed to new clients; the action, if any, he proposes to take to provide a full legal service at the existing centres at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Law Centres.
53.
Currently, ten of the 12 Legal Aid Board law centres are providing a full range of services to new clients under the civil legal aid scheme. These are the two centres in Cork, two centres in Dublin (Gardiner Street and Ormond Quay), and the centres at Galway, Tralee, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford and Athlone. The law centres at Aston House and Tallaght are not in a position to take on new clients at present except for emergency cases, for example where there is a risk of violence against a spouse or children.
As I indicated in my reply to a previous question from the Deputy on 18 June 1987, columns 2629-31 of the Official Report, I am aware that due to the present severe constraints on public expenditure, the Legal Aid Board is forced to introduce restrictions from time to time in taking on new clients. However, I am keeping the position under review.