The Labour Party spokesman for justice, José Herrera, feels that the legal aid system needs a radical overhaul due to various problems it is facing.

Dr Herrera noted that by law it is very difficult for one to qualify for legal aid, adding that one would not qualify if one is in possession of property valued at more than €6,976 or if one earned more than the minimum wage. Given the big increase in court expenses, the legal aid system should be applicable to a wider spectrum of people. Many people have to fight for their rights in court but are not able to do so because they cannot afford it.

Especially in the criminal court, the system is not working properly because the accused would be unable to choose a lawyer s/he trusts.

Dr Herrera also noted that legal aid lawyers are only paid €1,000 a year, a pittance compared to the amount of work they carry out.

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