Call to extend reach of free legal aid service

THE fundamental right to legal representation is still not available to all in Ireland and the recession is expected to make an already unsatisfactory situation worse, according to the Free Legal Aid Centres (FLAC).

FLAC research shows that of the three areas of law which those in financial hardship most commonly seek assistance — housing, social welfare and domestic violence — only the latter is covered by the State’s existing civil legal aid.

A FLAC survey of civil organisations in Dublin found that 77.5% of the organisations aided clients with housing difficulties, 77.5% with social welfare issues and 72.5% with domestic violence problems.