I propose to take Questions Nos. 656, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662 and 663 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.
The LAB operates in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 together with the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996-2021.
As I have previously advised the Deputy, value for money and efficiency are components of the normal audit process at the Legal Aid Board.
There are several internal and external oversight measures in place to ensure the appropriate operation of the system. This includes the Oversight Agreement and Annual Performance Delivery Agreement between the LAB and my Department. The Performance Delivery Agreement 2026 between the Legal Aid Board and the Department remains under discussion and will be published on my Department’s website as soon as it has been finalised. In addition financial audits are carried out by both my Department and by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The Deputy will be aware that funding for the LAB, as is the case for all such agencies, is allocated each year through the Estimates process, having regard to inter alia the Government’s available resources, Departmental policy priorities, existing commitments and the organisation’s expected costs for the coming year.
My Department and the LAB continue to work together to improve efficiencies where possible.
