8Arrangements and guidelines for allocation of legal aid work

8 Arrangements and guidelines for allocation of legal aid work (1) Legal aid may be provided by VLA— (a) by making available the services of officers of VLA; S. 8(1)(b) amended by Nos 17/2005 s. 4, 18/2005 s. 18(Sch. 1 item 57.3(a)). (b) by arranging for the services of private legal practitioners or other persons to be made available; (c) by making available and by arranging both the services referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b). S. 8(2) amended by No. 18/2005 s. 18(Sch. 1 item 57.3(a)). (2) VLA must determine guidelines in relation to the allocation of work between officers of VLA and private legal practitioners having regard to— (a) the need for legal assistance services to be readily available and easily accessible to disadvantaged people; S. 8(2)(ab) inserted by No. 93/1998 s. 16(1)(e). (ab) the requirements (if any) of any legal aid arrangement; S. 8(2)(b) amended by No. 18/2005 s. 18(Sch. 1 item 57.3(b)). (b) the desirability of an assisted person being entitled to select a legal practitioner of his or her choice; (c) the need for appropriate use to be made of the services capable of being provided by officers of VLA; (d) the importance of maintaining the independence of the private legal profession; (e) the need for the Fund to be used effectively and efficiently. S. 9 substituted by No. 48/1995 s. 6, amended by No. 93/1998 s. 16(1)(f).