Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 6

Written Answers. - Legal Aid.

Mary O'Rourke

Ceist:

38 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will request the relevant health board to give special legal funding to persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a similar case was funded by the Eastern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19613/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. Currie)

I have made inquiries from the Midland Health Board and understand that this case is governed by the Hague Convention on Child Abduction. The Department of Equality and

Law Reform is responsible for the administration of the Hague Convention on Child Abduction. I understand that the person concerned has applied to that Department for assistance.

I am not aware of a similar case funded by the Eastern Health Board. The board have indicated that in order to identify the case referred to from their point of view, they would require additional details of the case in question. I would be prepared to pursue the matter with the Eastern Health Board on receipt of any additional information.