asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to introduce a comprehensive system of legal aid and advice, and to give emergency aid to family law cases in the interim.

27.

asked the Minister for Justice if he has received the report of the Pringle Committee on Civil Legal Aid and Advice; and when he intends to publish this report.

28.

asked the Minister for Justice when he intends to introduce legislation extending the free legal aid system to civil cases.

29.

asked the Minister for Justice what his proposals are for the introduction of legal aid in civil cases.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 to 29, inclusive, together.

I understand that the Committee on Civil Legal Aid and Advice hope to be reporting to me within the next few weeks. I think it would be premature to make any further statement in relation to civil legal aid and advice pending receipt and consideration of the committee's report.

Would the Minister accept that this is a very serious problem and, having regard to the reply to the previous question, would he not give a commitment at this stage that civil aid will be made available for family law cases, particularly cases revolving around the dissolution of marriage within the courts?

I would like to give a commitment to the House that the contents of the report will be examined properly and fully by me and that what ever decisions have to be reached will be reached by the Government.

Would the Minister not accept that a commitment in this regard was given in the Fianna Fáil manifesto?

As I have said, I expect to have the report in about three weeks' time and when I have studied it I will be in a position to say what action I intend taking in regard to it.

Apparently no report was needed before making this commitment prior to the election.

What election?