Sweeping new changes have been announced to the criminal legal aid system.
For the first time, a Judge will now be in a position to decide if an individual should pay for or make a contribution towards their legal costs.
There will be fines of up to 4 thousand euro or a 6-month jail term for anyone who doesn't disclose their finances.
Minister Helen McEntee says a Judge will be able to request financial information before making a decision on whether to award free legal aid.
"A judge can make a decision that they will need to seek further financial assessments through the legal aid board".
Access to legal representation is fundamental, but it is important we have strong oversight of Criminal Legal Aid.
Under our new law, applicants can be made contribute to their own legal aid costs rather than have the entire bill borne by the taxpayer. https://t.co/t2Z0I9sDkU
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) July 19, 2023
She says that once they receive information from the board, a judge can order someone to contribute or pay their own legal fees.
Previously, this was not the case.
