The Legal Aid Board has rejected the suggestion that the proposed relocation of its headquarters to Cahirciveen would lead to a deterioration in waiting times for appointments with solicitors.
Responding to a report in The Irish Times yesterday, the board said while it acknowledged there had been "a regrettable disimprovement in waiting times over the past 18 months", it was important to note that "a priority service continues to be provided to a significant number of applicants". Domestic violence and child care cases were among those which were given priority.
The board is preparing an impact assessment of the likely effects of the move to the Minister for Justice's home town, which is due be submitted to Mr O'Donoghue before the end of the month.