A Programme for a Partnership Government states:

We will transfer responsibility for Criminal Legal Aid to the Legal Aid Board who will have new powers to compel criminals to [make] a contribution. We will also introduce a more rigorous and objective means testing process for such applications, as well as increasing the sanction for false declarations and improving prosecution in cases of abuse.

It goes on to mention the introduction of a public defender system. I raise this matter and ask for an update on it because many Deputies receive people into their clinics and offices, in particular vulnerable women, who are seeking to access the free legal aid system for civil matters. As the Taoiseach is aware, the vast majority of the budget in that regard is consumed by the demand for criminal free legal aid. I ask the Taoiseach to update the House on the matter and confirm what stage that promised legislation has reached.

As far as the reform of the criminal legal aid scheme is under way, I assure the House that preparation of this legislation is at an advanced stage. Discussions between my Department and the Attorney General's office are ongoing, with a view towards publication sometime early next year.