The taxpayer is to fund the legal costs of the daughter of EuroMillions winner Dolores McNamara over an alleged unlawful cocaine possession case against her.
Solicitor for Kevanne McNamara yesterday secured legal aid to represent the 37-year-old at Ennis District Court.
In the case, Kevanne is facing a summons concerning the unlawful possession of cocaine at her home at Ard Coillte, Ballina, Co Tipperary, on October 23, 2020.
She did not personally appear in court and was not required to attend the procedural hearing.
Solicitor Daragh Hassett requested disclosure of Garda documentation in the case and this was granted.
The legal costs in the case are expected to be minimal due to the minor nature of the charge.
Judge Mary Larkin adjourned the case to October 6 to Ennis District Court. Last year, solicitors on the criminal legal aid scheme received €34.2million [all figures include 21-23% VAT] compared to €36.6million in 2019.
In 2020, Dublin based solicitor, Michael Hennessy received the highest amount in criminal legal aid payments amongst solicitor practices when his practice received €638,843.
In an interview earlier this year, Mr Hennessy defended the criminal legal aid system.
He stated: “The criminal legal aid system serves all the people well, including those who will never set foot in a courtroom, and ought not be presumed upon.”
Mr Hassett previously commented: “Legal aid defence work is far from glamorous and the majority of solicitors who work in the area, like myself also work in general practice and we bring that broad experience to the job.
“We work long hours with regular weekend courts, prison and Garda station visits, phone calls at all times of the day or night.”
Kevanne is the daughter of Dolores McNamara, who banked a stunning €115million on the EuroMillions in 2005.
Shortly after her life-changing win the former cleaner and her late husband Adrian lived together at Lough Derg Hall, a vast property and estate in Ogonnolloe, Co Clare.
Mrs McNamara bought the 10,000 sq. ft hill-top property for €1.75m - after it had reportedly attracted the interest of Robert De Niro.
The lavish country manor boasts an amazing lakeside views and is at the end of a half-mile long private entrance.
The property fronted by electric gates and an eight-foot high wall, is set on 38 acres, including a coach house.
It is a far cry from the modest semi-detached family home where Dolores and her late husband Adrian raised their six children -including Kevanne- on Patrick’s Road, Limerick.
Adrian, a bricklayer by trade who was in his 60s, passed away in April following an illness, surrounded by his family.
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