Coffey calls on Govt to consider recoupment scheme for Criminal Legal Aid

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has called on the Government to look at the introduction of a recoupment scheme for people who avail of Criminal Legal Aid. Figures released to Deputy Coffey from the Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, showed that the scheme has cost the taxpayer more than €188 million over the last three years, without any recoupment for the State.

“We must all have an entitlement to legal representation in the courts and the idea of a recoupment scheme would not threaten this principle in any way. I believe we should look at ways to make services like Criminal Legal Aid more sustainable and efficient in these difficult economic times.

“In the case of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, contributions to the cost of the service are received by the Legal Aid Board from clients. In these cases the Legal Aid Board recoups money from its clients in two ways; from disposable income and disposable capital, if possible.

“Recognition must be given to Minister Shatter for the reduction in the total cost of Criminal Legal Aid. Since this Government came to office the annual cost of this service has reduced from over €60 million per annum in 2009 to just over €50 million in 2012; a reduction of 16%. We need to further progress in this regard to continue to allow for this service to be provided.

“The introduction of a recoupment scheme for Criminal Legal Aid has the potential to reduce the cost of the scheme to the taxpayer. I believe that a recoupment scheme similar to that operated for the Civil Legal Aid Scheme should be introduced. Under such a system, people who avail of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme and are subsequently convicted of a crime, would have to repay a certain amount to the Exchequer by contributing through liquidation of their assets or through weekly deductions.

“We must look at ways to reduce costs to the taxpayer across the board and I don’t believe that Criminal Legal Aid should be exempt in this regard. I hope the Minister will listen to my concerns and act upon my suggestions in a positive manner, so that we can reduce the cost of the legal aid bill to the taxpayer.”