MINISTER FOR Justice Dermot Ahern says he will bring in means-testing for legal aid where gardaí or the DPP object to people accused of crimes getting free legal assistance.
Mr Ahern said the cost of the criminal legal aid scheme had increased significantly in recent years, rising from €37.35 million in 2003 to €55.3 million last year. So far this year €44.8 million has been spent.
“Those entitled to legal aid will continue to receive it, but where in the case of DPP or Garda objections, my intention is that there should be a means test,” he said.
The number of certificates granted by the courts had increased from 30,000 in 2003 to 55,000 in 2008, he said.
The Minister said he was considering moving responsibility for administering the criminal legal aid scheme from his department to the Legal Aid Board. “They currently have the expertise and capacity, as they administer civil legal aid. I believe there are opportunities to make savings in this area,” he said.
He said the Criminal Legal Aid Bill, being drafted, would attempt to contain the rising costs of legal aid, among other measures.
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