Vol. 457 No. 5
20 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he will extend the scope of the Legal Aid Board in order that a service can be provided for legal advice on debt, housing, social welfare and other matters; if he will implement the recommendations of the Pringle Committee, 1977; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14532/95]
Since its establishment in 1979, the Legal Aid Board has, under the terms of the scheme of civil legal aid and advice, provided legal advice on civil matters in general including advice on debt, housing and social welfare. Legal aid, as such, is also available on all of those matters before a court but not before a tribunal. If, however, the decision of a tribunal is appealed to the courts, both legal aid and advice may be provided.
In so far as recommendations of the Pringle Committee of 1977 are concerned the position is that the majority of its recommendations have been implemented. The Deputy has not indicated in her question what outstanding recommendations she now wants implemented. In the absence of that detail I am unable to give any meaningful reply other than to say that most of the issues that may be concerned have been the subject of debate in the House on the various stages so far of the Civil Legal Aid Bill, 1995, the purpose of which is to put the Legal Aid Board on a statutory basis.
