asked the Minister for Justice whether he is now in a position to state if proposals for legislation will be introduced, in the near future, to provide legal aid for persons (a) charged with indictable offences who are unable to bear the cost of an adequate defence out of their own resources, and (b) who are unable, because of inadequate means, to prosecute or defend an action in the civil courts.

On the information at present at my disposal, I am not prepared to recommend to the Government the promotion of legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.

Will the Minister say why?

Well, I have had it examined and I have got advice from different sources. On the opinions that I have got, I am satisfied that it is not necessary. So far as litigation is concerned, the very poorest sections in the community are being provided for under the Rent Restrictions Act. If anything more of that nature becomes necessary it will be done. I am not prepared on the information at my disposal at present to propose legislation.

Was not legal aid given to people before and paid for by the public?