A review is under way of the legal aid fee for victims of domestic violence.
The Free Legal Advice Centres - known as FLAC says the 130 euro fee is preventing many in desperate situations from seeking help.
Its annual report reveals a woman who's husband threatened to kill her was forced to represent herself in court because she couldn't afford the legal aid fee.
The charity's calling for an end to the fee for victims of domestic violence, something which the UN has recommended.
.@CharlieFlanagan launches the @flacireland annual report
The charity dealt with over 25,000 queries last year pic.twitter.com/Q652RPr3Gn
— Nicole Gernon (@nicole_gernon) July 31, 2017
Launching the report, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said while the 130 euro fee aims to ensure cases are taken seriously, he's concerned about the effect it's having.
He confirmed his department is currently undertaking a review of the matter which is to be completed before the end of the year.
The report also reveals that over 25 thousand people got free legal information and advice from FLAC last year - with the majority of queries about family law, followed by housing and employment.
Over 12-thousand people called the helpline and more than 13-thousand called into one of the 67 centres across the country
FLAC has also called for the legal aid board to be properly resourced after the report highlighted delays of up to 36 weeks for appointments in some areas.
