9. Conclusion

9.1 The Council of the Duty Lawyer Service wishes to thank the Service’s staff for their dedication and excellent service during the year often under trying conditions.

9.2 The Council also wishes to thank the many Volunteers and Duty Lawyers who have continued to serve both the Free Legal Advice Scheme and Duty Lawyer Scheme (including the Care or Protection Scheme and the Legal Assistance Scheme for Non-refoulement Claimants) faithfully; the Magistrates for their continued interest in and support for the Duty Lawyer Scheme; the Labour and Welfare Bureau for their support for the Care or Protection Scheme; the Judiciary Administration for providing accommodation for the Service’s Court Liaison Offices; the Police and Correctional Services who are always helpful and who often adjust their routine to accommodate the Service, Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office and the Home Affairs Department and Bureau and referral agency staff, all of whom have contributed to the continued smooth running of the Free Legal Advice Scheme and the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Torture Claims Appeal Board for their assistance and support to the Legal Assistance Scheme for Non-refoulement Claimants.