HL Deb 19 February 1998 vol 586 c54WA
Lord Orme

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any proposals: (a) to review the administration of legal aid in Northern Ireland in light of the difference between the administration arrangements in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland; and (b) to extend to Northern Ireland any of the reforms to legal aid which are proposed for England and Wales. [HL697]

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)

I have instructed my officials in the Northern Ireland Court Service to:

  1. (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
  2. (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.