Cathal Crowe
Ceist:8. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if she has any plans to review the civil legal aid system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26073/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 May 2022
Ceisteanna (8)
Freagraí scríofa
As outlined in Justice Plan 2022, Minister McEntee is committed to undertaking a comprehensive review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme. My Department is currently working to finalise the mode and terms of reference of the review.
As part of the review process, it is intended that there will be significant consultation to ensure that the insights of a range of stakeholders regarding the operation of the scheme – and how best to support those of limited means with legal needs – will inform the work of the Review Group.
Capturing the views of those who have unmet legal needs will be an important part of the Group’s consultation and engagement. One of the areas which may be considered in the review is eligibility for civil legal aid.
Since the Civil Legal Aid Scheme was first established over 40 years ago, Irish society has changed and the demands on the Scheme have grown. In order to provide maximum benefit to those it was established to serve, within the finite resources available to fund legal aid, a robust, comprehensive review of the Scheme is now timely.
Ultimately the review should map out a future for the Civil Legal Aid Scheme; one which will provide for a flexible service that has, as far as possible, the capacity and resources to respond to the priority legal assistance needs of those of insufficient means.
It is envisaged that the Review Group will commence its work shortly. Minister McEntee intends to bring a Memorandum to Government in the coming weeks setting out the final approach and confirming the membership of the Group. The public consultation will open thereafter and Minister McEntee and I encourage as many people as possible to participate and to have their say on this important matter.
Question No. 9 answered orally.