Vol. 459 No. 4
19 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he will undertake as a matter of urgency an expansion of the family mediation service in view of the outcome of the recent divorce referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18264/95]
31 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when a full-time law centre will be established in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17926/95]
38 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the expansion in the civil legal aid service is sufficient to meet the extra demands that will be placed on it as a result of the recent divorce referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18266/95]
64 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the level of mediation services available throughout the State; the measures, if any, he has to improve such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18122/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 31, 38 and 64 together.
The development plan for the Legal Aid Board is already at an advanced stage of implementation. Funding of the services of that board has almost doubled over the period 1993-95 with the allocation of £3.266 million in 1993 being increased to £6.2 million in 1995. The number of full-time law centres has increased to 26 against 16 in 1993.
On the basis of the increased Government funding, the board, as part of its plan of development, expanded its services in County Tipperary in the last year with the result that the county now has a full-time law centre in Nenagh and a part-time centre in Thurles and Clonmel. The board's services in County Tipperary will continue to be monitored by the board.
