A major legal oversight could see the woman at the centre of the ‘Grace’ case forced to pay her own legal fees.
It had been expected the commission would provide legal representation for Grace, who has severe physical and mental disabilities, and that the State would pay for this expense.
However, according to today’s Irish Examiner, it seems that in recent days the commission has been made aware that existing legislation means this is not the case.
A section of the Act does provide for individuals to have their legal fees covered but only in the case that their “good name or conduct” is called into question in evidence; or when “other personal or property rights of the witness” are put at risk.
It seems as neither issue relates to Grace she is, under the existing law, not entitled to have her legal representation or legal fees paid for by the State.
