Criminal legal aid contribution
Deputy Willie O’Dea asks about transferring criminal legal aid to the Legal Aid Board and making offenders contribute to costs. The Taoiseach says he will advise the Deputy on progress, and later also promises to send information about a separate tenant purchase scheme query.
I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the progress made in meeting a commitment given in the programme for Government, specifically on page 97, which reads: "We will transfer responsibility for Criminal Legal Aid to the Legal Aid Board who will have new powers to compel criminals to pay a contribution". I presume it is a contribution towards the cost of rectifying the damage they have done. What is the status of that commitment? I assure the Taoiseach that criminals in Limerick will be well able to afford to pay as they are now in the dog racing business.
Comment on this
I am pleased that in this case some of the dogs have been recovered and are intact, which is good.
I will advise Deputy O'Dea of the progress being made in this regard by the Minister for Justice and Equality.
Comment on this
On a point of order, I asked the Taoiseach several times to send me a letter on the Government's position on the tenant purchase scheme.
