The Legal Aid Board received more than 15,000 new applications for legal services last year, an increase of 18 per cent in the number of people seeking such assistance.
In its annual report for 2008, the board said more than 21,000 individuals availed of legal services, largely as a result of the deteriorating economic situation, which meant that a greater number of people became financially eligible for civil legal aid.
The number of cases processed in the law centre network in 2008 was 14,917, up over 7 per cent on the previous year, with a further 2,983 legal aid cases were processed using the Board's Private Practitioner service, up 29 per cent on 2007.
The report found that family law continues to be the main area in which the board provides legal advice, although an increased need for legal advice and assistance in areas such as debt and employment was evident.
Funding for the board increased by 11 per cent to €26.98 million, while funding for the Refugee Legal Service rose to €8.897 million, up by 3 per cent.
Chairwoman of the Legal Aid Board Anne Colley said the increased demand coupled with the difficult environment for the public finances, presented a challenge to the body to maintain its level of service provision.
Ms Colley said waiting times for initial appointments with solicitors were coming under pressure due to the increasing number of applications for legal services, but added "we are determined to continue to pursue our objective of providing a quality service within a reasonable timeframe".
The Legal Aid Board provides civil legal aid to people with incomes of less than €18,000, who are required to make a contribution of €50 for legal aid and €10 for legal advice.