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31/07/2017
Legal Aid Fees Should Be Waived Domestic Violence Cases - FF
Legal aid fees in domestic violence applications should be waived to guarantee legal representation for victims, Fianna Fail Senator and Seanad Spokesperson for Justice, Lorraine Clifford-Lee has said.
Senator Clifford-Lee said that the minimum contribution payment towards civil legal aid when making a domestic violence related application to the District Court, should be waived.
She said: "Last year alone, leading charity Women’s Aid received almost 17,000 calls relating to domestic violence or abuse.
"The last Government more than doubled the minimum contribution payment from €50 to €130. Victims of domestic violence are required to make this payment if they wish to have legal representation through the Legal Aid Board, which puts an unbearable burden on these people at an already very sensitive
Senator Clifford-Lee added that the fee can be a barrier to sufficient access to justice for many, and that more must be done by the State to protect those brave enough to get away from their abuser.
“During a time when more focus needs to be placed on supporting the victims of domestic abuse and sexual crime in Ireland, increased measures must be put in place to offer protection."
(SF/MH)
Senator Clifford-Lee said that the minimum contribution payment towards civil legal aid when making a domestic violence related application to the District Court, should be waived.
She said: "Last year alone, leading charity Women’s Aid received almost 17,000 calls relating to domestic violence or abuse.
"The last Government more than doubled the minimum contribution payment from €50 to €130. Victims of domestic violence are required to make this payment if they wish to have legal representation through the Legal Aid Board, which puts an unbearable burden on these people at an already very sensitive
Senator Clifford-Lee added that the fee can be a barrier to sufficient access to justice for many, and that more must be done by the State to protect those brave enough to get away from their abuser.
“During a time when more focus needs to be placed on supporting the victims of domestic abuse and sexual crime in Ireland, increased measures must be put in place to offer protection."
(SF/MH)
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