The Gazette 1964/67

an assurance that, before legislation of they type indicated is introduced, he will ascertain the views of the governing bodies of both branches of the legal profession? Mr. B. Lenihan : Yes. Both branches of the legal profession can have that assurance that only after the fullest consultation with them will the new legislation be introduced. Note — It is understood that the Minister at a Meeting of Tuarim (Limerick Branch) in January stated he had changed his mind about fusing both branches of the legal profession. Stamp Duty on Property Sales Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the substantially higher rate of stamp duty payable on a conveyance or transfer on sale of property in this country compared with that prevailing in Britain; and if, as an incentive towards encouraging an increase in number of owner-occuriers of houses, he will con sider revising the stamp duty payable in such cases. Mr. Childers : The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative. The matter raises in the second part of the question is one which would require Finance Bill legislation and the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot indicate in advance what proposals the next Budget Statement may or may not contain. Mr. Cosgrave : Can the Minister say whether this will be sympathetically considered as an in centive towards owner-occupiers buying their own houses ? Mr. Childers : I think the Deputy can be as sured that the Minister for Finance will consider all such cases in the light of the Budget con ditions as they will arise in the coming year. Free Legal Aid Mr. M. J. O'Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in relation to the free legal aid scheme the number of applications granted to the latest available date (a) in Dublin city and county, (b) in Cork city and county, and (c) in the rest of the country. Minister for Justice (Mr. B. Lenihan): The number of certificates granted in the half-year ended 30th September, 1965 is as follows: (a) Dublin city and country 28; (B) Cork city and county 20; (c) remainder of the country 14.

Mr. M. J. O'Higgins: What is the total then? Mr. B. Lenihan: Sixty-two. Mr. P. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases in each District Court area throughout the State where legal aid has been granted since the passing of the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962. Mr. B. Lenihan: The statistics which are avail able relate to districts of the District Court and cover the first six months of the operation of the scheme, that is the period up to 30th Septem ber, 1965. The information is in the form of a tabular statement which, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to have circul Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962 Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Regulations, 1965 Number of legal aid certificates granted in Dis tricts of the District Court during the period from 1st April to 30th September, 1965. ated with the Official Report. Following is the statement:—

Number of Certs. Granted

District

No. 2 .... No. 5 (Cavan) ................ No. 6 (Dundalk) ............. No. 7 (Galway) ............. No. 8 (Ballinasloe) .......... No. 14 (Limerick) .......... No. 18 (Bandon) ............. No. 19 (Cork) ................ No. 21 (Clonmel) ............. Dublin Metropolitan ....... Total (Manorhamilton

2 2 2 1 2 1 2 15 2 19 48

Mr. Sweetman : Will the Minister give us some idea of the total number? Mr. B. Lenihan : Again, this will require some quick mathematics; it is 48. Mr. Sweetman : If it is 48, I cannot see why you have to have a tabular statement. Mr. B. Lenihan : It is because of the different numbers in regard to the particular districts. Mr. Sweetman : I do not believe, if it is set out in the tabular statement for each area, that the total was calculated by the Minister off the cuff. I expect it was sitting there waiting. THIRD PARTY PROCEDURE The provisions of the Rules of the Superior 79