§ Jacqui SmithTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proposals the Government has to(a) review the administration of legal aid in Northern Ireland, with particular reference to the difference between the administration arrangements for legal aid in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland and (b) extend to Northern Ireland reforms of legal aid which are proposed for England and Wales. [30797]
§ Mr. HoonThe Lord Chancellor and I have instructed my officials in the Northern Ireland Court Service to
(a) undertake a review into arrangements for the administration and provision of legal aid in Northern Ireland, bringing forward recommendations for change where necessary; and(b) consider in the Northern Ireland context the proposed reforms to legal aid in England and Wales.My Officials will be available to hear views from interested parties on these important matters.
A Green Paper will be published for full consultation purposes in due course. In the meantime, I would encourage all those with an interest in these matters to meet with my officials and contribute their views at an early stage.