Charles Flanagan
Ceist:20 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice when the Legal Aid Centre in Portlaoise, County Laois is expected to resume service.
Written Answers. - Portlaoise Legal Aid Centre.
I have obtained an increase in funding for the Legal Air Board amounting to £320,000 this year. This will enable the board to expand the scheme of civil legal aid and advice during the year by opening new centres and additional part-time centres. The situation with regard to existing part-time centres should also improve and I would hope that this will enable services from the Portlaoise centre to be resumed, though that is a matter entirely for the board.
I am at present considering proposals made by the board for the opening of new law centres, and there will be an announcement in this regard soon.