Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 2 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 4

Written Answers. - Legal Aid Service.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

211 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the free legal aid office in Newbridge, County Kildare, the number of officials in the office; the number of cases dealt with in 1999; the number awaiting a service from the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2828/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): As the Deputy will be aware, the law centre in Newbridge, County Kildare, was opened operationally on 27 January 1997.

I have been informed by the Legal Aid Board that the total number of officials in the office is seven, comprising three solicitors, one law clerk and three clerical officers. I have been further informed by the Legal Aid Board that in 1999 the law centre received 300 applications for legal services and it offered appointments to 315 prospective clients. The waiting time for an appointment with a solicitor in the law centre on 31 December 1999 was 15 months, and on that date 270 persons were on the waiting list.

The waiting times for an appointment at the law centre have reduced in the last few months from a figure of 22.5 months in May 1999 to a figure of 15 months on 31 December 1999.

I can assure the Deputy that, in consultation with the Legal Aid Board, I continually monitor the position with regard to waiting lists at all law centres. I can also inform the Deputy that where waiting times, for whatever reasons, become excessive the position is examined by the board with a view to taking remedial action.