Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Oct 1993

Vol. 435 No. 1

Written Answers. - Ennis (Clare) Legal Aid Board.

Donal Carey

Ceist:

159 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when he will open the proposed Ennis office of the Legal Aid Board in County Clare in view of the fact that there is a 12 month waiting period for applicants who are experiencing genuine distress; and if he will give the proposed manning level.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

The law centre in Ennis is one of 19 centres which are operated by the Legal Aid Board under the scheme of civil legal aid and advice on a parttime basis. These centres supplement the board's network of 16 full-time centres and one temporary centre.

I am informed by the Legal Aid Board that the longest waiting period for cases with the Ennis Law Centre is five to six months approximately and that priority cases are dealt with as the need arises.

The Grant-in-Aid to the Legal Aid Board for 1993 is almost 20 per cent higher than it was in 1992. As a result of that extra funding the board has recruited an additional twelve solicitors and is engaged in recruiting an additional 29 support staff. These increases in staff will add significantly to the capacity of the board to provide an improved service to those entitled to it under the scheme. The board in consultation with my Department, is devising an action plan for further development and expansion of the board's services, subject to budgetary constraints. The position of all law centres is being reviewed in the context of that plan and any decisions made regarding implementation of the plan will be announced in due course.