Cut legal aid for repeat offenders says troy

Free legal aid for repeat offenders who are “exploiting the system” should be cut, according to Deputy Robert Troy.

The Fianna Fáil man says that while he believes that “everyone is entitled to legal representation” and a “second chance in life”, at a time when “vital services are being cut” the government should look at restricting availability for free legal aid for those that “pursue a life of crime”.

“We recently saw the situation when the Westmeath Support Service Against Domestic Abuse saw its funding cut by 100% and then you have the situation whereby some people are exploiting the free legal aid system.

“Some people continue to pursue a life of crime and to receive free legal aid and I don’t think it’s a fair or sustainable situation.

“I know of a woman who recently got out of an abusive domestic situation and she was refused free legal aid because she was marginally over the guidelines on income and then you have people who repeatedly commit crimes and they are facilitated by free legal aid.

“The only people who are benefiting are the members of the legal profession.
Deputy Troy recently submitted a written question in the Dáil asking Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald if she had “considered putting a limit on the number of times persons can avail of free legal aid for repeat criminal offences”.

Replying to Deputy Troy’s query, the minister said: “An applicant’s previous convictions are not a criterion for access to legal aid under the act (The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962). I have no function in these matters which are determined by the judiciary.”

However, Deputy Troy says the he feels that the current system should be reviewed.

“My thinking is that I want to see fairness and equity for everyone. I do believe that everyone is entitled to a second chance but at what stage do you stop?”