Séamus Cullimore
Ceist:26 Mr. Cullimore asked the Minister for Justice if he will open a free legal aid centre in County Wexford in view of the increased demand for free legal aid services there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Legal Aid.
Wexford is currently served by a part-time law centre which operates on the first, third and fourth Wednesday of every month.
I am advised by the Legal Aid Board that it intends to put forward proposals in the near future for a further expansion of the scheme of civil legal aid and advice in 1993. I have no doubt but that the board, in framing its proposals, will have regard to its obligations under section 6.2 of the Scheme of Legal Aid and Advice, which refers to the establishment and location of law centres and that the need for a full-time centre for Wexford will be considered in that context. My response to any such proposals will, of course, depend on the budgetary situation at the time.
Incidentally, it is not correct to refer to the scheme as "free". Contributions are required of legally aided persons relative to their means.