Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
199. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice if she will introduce a digital system of appointment of legal aid lawyers for persons in Garda custody; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52341/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987, people arrested and detained in a Garda station must be informed of their right to consult a solicitor. The Garda Station Legal Advice Revised Scheme provides for the payment of fees to solicitors for telephone and in-station consultations with persons detained in custody and who are eligible under the terms of that Scheme. The appointment of a solicitor is a matter for the detainee who is entitled to a solicitor of his or her own choice. Where a detainee does not nominate their own solicitor, Gardaí can provide information to a detainee for the purpose of that individual being able to consult a solicitor.
A wider review of criminal legal aid is ongoing in the context of developing a new statutory basis for criminal legal aid including providing a legislative basis for the existing non-statutory schemes which include the Garda Station Legal Advice Revised Scheme. That review is ongoing.
The Garda Station Legal Advice Revised Scheme is operated by the Legal Aid Board and a guidance document regarding the operation of the Scheme is available on the website of the Legal Aid Board.
