Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015
400. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will review the income limits for qualifying for legal aid; when these limits were last reviewed; if the limits take account of inflation since they were last set; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18309/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Civil Legal Aid Regulations were last amended in September 2013 as a result of a review of the financial eligibility criteria and the current disposable capital limit was then set at €100,000 under the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 2013 (SI No 346 of 2013). The disposable income limit was last set at €18,000 under the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 2006 (SI No 460 of 2006). I understand that the Consumer Price Index for the period from mid August 2006 to mid March 2015, the most recent date for which figures are available, increased by 7.1%. However, I have no plans at present to further amend the financial eligibility requirements although the matter is kept under review.
