I propose to take Questions Nos. 805, 806 and 807 together.
The Legal Aid Board (LAB) is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means. This includes the provision of legal aid and advice to international protection applicants.
International protection applicants who meet the financial eligibility criteria can avail of the services of LAB. The Legal Aid Board:
• provides legal assistance and advice in respect of their application.
• advises applicants in relation to the completion of their International Protection Questionnaire (if not already completed) including any grounds that the applicant may wish to set out for the purpose of requesting that the Minister should give them permission to remain in the State.
• assists the applicant in the preparation for the international protection interview and in preparing any written representations to the Minister.
• in the case of a negative recommendation on their application, provides representation for the applicant in any appeal they may take to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
Detailed information on civil legal aid services and advice provided to international protection applicants can be found on the Legal Aid Board website at: https://www.legalaidboard.ie/our-legal-aid-service/how-we-can-help-you/international-protection/
There are several oversight measures in place to ensure the appropriate operation of the system and the Legal Aid Board strictly operates in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 together with the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996-2021.
The Annual Performance Delivery Agreement between the Legal Aid Board and my Department sets out the specific objectives, outputs, priorities, and performance indicators to be delivered by the Legal Aid Board in a given year, within its approved funding. It provides a structured basis for monitoring delivery, accountability for public expenditure, and alignment with Government and Departmental priorities, while respecting the Board’s statutory independence.
The Oversight Agreement defines the governance and accountability framework between the Department and the Legal Aid Board. Its purpose is to clarify roles, responsibilities, reporting arrangements, and assurance mechanisms, ensuring effective oversight, transparency, and compliance with public sector governance requirements, without encroaching on the Board’s operational or decision-making independence. The Deputy will see that both of these agreements are published on my Department’s website.
The Legal Aid Board operates a layered system of oversight combining statutory eligibility controls, defined service scope, panel management, financial audit, and cost-recovery powers, supplemented by the aforementioned formal governance and performance oversight from my Department. In the area of international protection, dedicated service structures, client obligations, and inter-agency coordination provide additional safeguards to ensure that legal aid is used appropriately, proportionately, and in accordance with law, while protecting access to justice for those entitled to it.
I am informed that the Legal Aid Board operates a comprehensive and risk-based internal audit programme, approved by its Audit and Risk Committee, which provides independent assurance across all aspects of service delivery and corporate support functions, including financial management, governance, controls, compliance, and value for money. Findings and recommendations arising from internal audit are systematically tracked, reported to senior management and the Board, and are subject to formal follow-up to ensure timely implementation.
In addition to its internal assurance framework, the Legal Aid Board is subject to regular and robust external scrutiny. Its annual financial statements are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, with the results reported to the Oireachtas, and the Board engages fully with the Public Accounts Committee as required. The Board is also subject to regular external audits by my Department.
Taken together, these layered arrangements provide a strong and integrated system of assurance, ensuring transparency, accountability for public funds, and compliance with statutory and governance requirements, while supporting continuous improvement across the organisation.
The Legal Aid Board has advised that considerations of value for money and efficiency are examined as part of its internal audit processes. However, the Board has confirmed that it has not undertaken a discrete value-for-money or efficiency assessment of legal aid expenditure relating to international protection applicants since 2019.
In relation to a comparison with other EU Member States, due to how legal aid is administered and the differing legal systems, it is not possible to make meaningful comparisons with other Member States.
