Committee of Supply 2024 debate, Day 2: Derrick Goh on Public Defender’s Office
The Public Defender’s Office (PDO) has helped more than 300 cases in court, in nine months since it was introduced in December 2022. At the same time, applications to the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) fell significantly. MP Derrick Goh pointed to these as indications that the PDO is playing an increasing role in Singapore’s legal framework. In Parliament on Thursday (Feb 29), he asked if the PDO has met all its key performance indicators so far and whether there are plans for improvement. He wanted to know if application rates have been as expected, if the means test criteria have been assessed to be appropriate, and whether staff caseloads have been manageable. Mr Goh also sought updates on efforts to tackle noise disputes between neighbours.
The Public Defender’s Office (PDO) has helped more than 300 cases in court, in nine months since it was introduced in December 2022. At the same time, applications to the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) fell significantly. MP Derrick Goh pointed to these as indications that the PDO is playing an increasing role in Singapore’s legal framework. In Parliament on Thursday (Feb 29), he asked if the PDO has met all its key performance indicators so far and whether there are plans for improvement. He wanted to know if application rates have been as expected, if the means test criteria have been assessed to be appropriate, and whether staff caseloads have been manageable. Mr Goh also sought updates on efforts to tackle noise disputes between neighbours.
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