Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is saying it should not be a problem that the State will be making a contribution to the costs. The current arrangement is not perfect but a no-foal, no-fee basis means applicants with a strong case can get access to strong legal representation, whereas the Minister of State is just talking about the State making a contribution towards costs. Some may have access to additional resources but many do not, putting them at a disadvantage. People with a strong case can get better representation on a no-foal, no-fee basis than if the State makes a contribution towards the costs. From what the Minister of State has said, I do not see how what is proposed would not be inequitable and therefore fall foul of the Aarhus Convention. The Minister of State said it should not be inequitable, but why would it not be? What is in the legislation to guarantee no inequity?