Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
753. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if the consent of the Minister which has been given to the Legal Aid Board in relation to the leasing of premises at Railway Square, Waterford can be reviewed on foot of concerns raised by law centre staff for their safety regarding antisocial behaviour in the vicinity of the premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52648/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra754. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice the premises currently in use by the Legal Aid Board for the provision of legal services under the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations; if each premises has been acquired by leasehold agreement by the Board; if in each case the consent of the Minister was given to the Board to acquire a leasehold interest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52691/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 753 and 754 together.
As Deputies will be aware, the Legal Aid Board provides legal advice and aid under the relevant terms of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996-2017. Section 3(3) of the Act provides that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of the Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.
The acquisition of premises is an operational matter for the Legal Aid Board under such terms, whether leasehold or otherwise, as it may consider appropriate to its functions. The location of offices of the Legal Aid Board is subject to the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 (S.I No. 273 of 1996), which give effect to the relevant provisions of Section 37 of the 1995 Act. Regulation No. 22 (1) states that,
“In deciding on the location of law centres, the Board shall have regard to –
(a) the need to provide reasonable access to their services on a nationwide basis,
(b) the desirability of providing, so far as possible, ready access to their services in the areas where the need for those services is greatest, and
(c) the need to use available resources in a way likely to result in maximum benefit for persons in need of legal aid or advice and in considering these matters the Board shall take account of any views expressed by local and other interests but the decision finally in each case shall be a matter entirely for the Board”.
Having given the matter appropriate consideration, including by reference to the relevant provisions of Section 3(2) of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 Act and those of the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 (S.I. No. 273 of 1996), Minister Humphreys gave her consent to the Board’s request to acquire a leasehold interest in the proposed new premises at Railway Square in Waterford. This was conveyed to the Legal Aid Board on 27 September 2021. I also understand that the Board is currently engaged with its staff in relation to this office upgrade and relocation while also conducting a wider review of the status of those premises which it uses or shares in optimising the delivery of its services to vulnerable citizens.
