Menu
31/01/2008
Northern Ireland’s Bill For Legal Aid Doubles
Legal aid costs shouldered by the average Northern Ireland taxpayer have more than doubled within the last 10 years.
The legal aid burden has risen dramatically from £30 million in 1997 to £69 million in 2007. This figure is double the increase in England and Wales.
South Belfast MP, Alasdair McDonnell said: "While I recognise the increase may be due to higher levels of poverty and therefore a high level of entitlement, we need to make sure there is efficiency in the system.”
The Court Service also released a statement outlining consultation work due to commence shortly on arrangements for managing the equally high cost of criminal cases.
Expensive cases such as the Bloody Sunday Inquiry are likely to have swollen the taxpayer's bill to date, with its estimated cost of up to £200 million alone - part of which went to legal aid costs.
The Northern Ireland Court Service however attributed the soaring bills to "a range of factors including changes in the volume and profile of cases, timing of payments and the levels of remuneration determined as appropriate for individual cases".
(DW)
The legal aid burden has risen dramatically from £30 million in 1997 to £69 million in 2007. This figure is double the increase in England and Wales.
South Belfast MP, Alasdair McDonnell said: "While I recognise the increase may be due to higher levels of poverty and therefore a high level of entitlement, we need to make sure there is efficiency in the system.”
The Court Service also released a statement outlining consultation work due to commence shortly on arrangements for managing the equally high cost of criminal cases.
Expensive cases such as the Bloody Sunday Inquiry are likely to have swollen the taxpayer's bill to date, with its estimated cost of up to £200 million alone - part of which went to legal aid costs.
The Northern Ireland Court Service however attributed the soaring bills to "a range of factors including changes in the volume and profile of cases, timing of payments and the levels of remuneration determined as appropriate for individual cases".
(DW)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
12 April 2024
Second Man Extradited From Poland To Northern Ireland
A second man has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland this week to face charges related to the cultivation of cannabis. The 40 year-old-man was extradited from Poland on Thursday 11th April, to stand trial in relation to a number of offences of cultivation of cannabis.
Second Man Extradited From Poland To Northern Ireland
A second man has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland this week to face charges related to the cultivation of cannabis. The 40 year-old-man was extradited from Poland on Thursday 11th April, to stand trial in relation to a number of offences of cultivation of cannabis.
12 April 2024
Six Famous Filming Locations in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland offers some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, and many TV series and movies have realised this and filmed some, if not all, of their scenes here. HBO's Game of Thrones is the most famous example, but it's not the only one.
Six Famous Filming Locations in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland offers some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, and many TV series and movies have realised this and filmed some, if not all, of their scenes here. HBO's Game of Thrones is the most famous example, but it's not the only one.
16 April 2024
Alliance Welcomes Economic Affairs Childcare Review
The Alliance Party has welcomed the news that the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly Economic Affairs Committee will conduct an inquiry into childcare. The committee will seek evidence from a wide range of interested parties as part of a review into the importance of childcare as economic infrastructure across the UK and Ireland.
Alliance Welcomes Economic Affairs Childcare Review
The Alliance Party has welcomed the news that the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly Economic Affairs Committee will conduct an inquiry into childcare. The committee will seek evidence from a wide range of interested parties as part of a review into the importance of childcare as economic infrastructure across the UK and Ireland.
15 April 2024
Three In Hospital After Police Vehicle Collides With Another Vehicle
Two police officers and a civilian remain in hospital following a collision in Newry on Saturday, 13 April. It is understood that the police officers were travelling in a police vehicle to attend a separate incident at about 7.30pm when they collided with another vehicle on the Fathom Road.
Three In Hospital After Police Vehicle Collides With Another Vehicle
Two police officers and a civilian remain in hospital following a collision in Newry on Saturday, 13 April. It is understood that the police officers were travelling in a police vehicle to attend a separate incident at about 7.30pm when they collided with another vehicle on the Fathom Road.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
