Michael Bell
Ceist:68 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice when he intends to introduce draft legislation placing the scheme of civil legal aid on a statutory basis, as has been promised on many occasions in the past.
Written Answers. - Civil Legal Aid Scheme.
As I have already indicated — Official Report, 5 February 1991; Vol. 404; column 1517 — it is my intention to have the legislation ready this year.
Michael Bell
Ceist:69 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice the plans he has to significantly improve the civil legal aid service in view of the investigation, by both the European Commission and the Petitions' Committee of the European Parliament of the complaint by the free legal advice centres on the crisis in civil legal aid.
As regards the submissions by FLAC, I would direct the Deputy's attention to my reply on 27 November 1990 — Official Report, Vol. 403, columns 28-30 — in this matter.
With regard to the overall situation applying to the provision of legal services by the Legal Aid Board under the civil legal aid scheme, I have already outlined in my reply to Question No. 65 today the significant improvement in the board's position over the past two years.
Michael Bell
Ceist:70 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice whether his Department have received the proposals of the Legal Aid Board on the involvement of private practitioners in the scheme of civil legal aid and advice as outlined by him in his statement to Dáil Éireann on 20 February 1990; and the steps his Department intend to take on foot of such proposals.
Yes. The board's proposals have been examined and the matter is receiving further consideration at present.