33Statement of reasons for a decision to be given

33 Statement of reasons for a decision to be given S. 33(1) amended by Nos 10/1986 s. 9(b), 48/1995 s. 10(s), 44/1997 s. 17(6). (1) Where a decision in relation to the provision of legal assistance or in relation to the making of any payment in respect of costs, including a decision reconsidering or reviewing a previous decision, is made by VLA or by an independent reviewer under this Act, VLA— (a) within fourteen days after the decision is made, shall communicate the decision to the person who applied for the legal assistance or for the payment, as the case may be; and (b) in the case where the decision is a decision refusing to provide legal assistance or imposing a condition on the provision of legal assistance, shall, if requested to do so, cause to be furnished to the person a short statement of the reasons for the decision. (2) The communication to a person of a decision referred to in subsection (1) shall be effected— S. 33(2)(a) amended by Nos 48/1995 s. 10(s), 18/2005 s. 18(Sch. 1 item 57.24). (a) in a case where the matter to which the decision relates was dealt with on behalf of the person by a private legal practitioner—by giving to the private legal practitioner, or by sending to the private legal practitioner by post to the address of the private legal practitioner last known to VLA, a document setting out the terms of the decision and particulars of the right of the person to have the decision reconsidered and reviewed in accordance with Part VI; and (b) in any other case—by giving such a document to the person or by sending such a document to the person— S. 33(2)(b)(i) amended by No. 48/1995 s. 10(s). (i) by post to the address of the person last known to VLA; or (ii) in any other way authorized by the person. Part VI—Reconsideration and review of decisions: complaints