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More disruption as solicitors protest new legal aid fees
🇮🇪 Ireland /Culture & Society

More disruption as solicitors protest new legal aid fees

From RTÉ News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Solicitors are escalating action over payments for criminal legal aid work, causing further court disruption.
  • The protest centers on the introduction of a flat fee per client, replacing a system that paid for each court appearance.
  • The Law Society criticizes the Department of Justice's review, stating it uses "anecdotes and inference" to undermine the profession.

Solicitors are escalating their action over payments for criminal legal aid work, leading to increased disruption in court hearings across all levels. The core of the protest is the Department of Justice's introduction of a flat fee per client, set to take effect on July 1, which replaces the existing system where solicitors are paid for each court appearance. Currently, a solicitor receives €239.38 for the first appearance and €59.86 for subsequent hearings. The new flat fee will be €455, regardless of the number of appearances, removing the direct link between payment and court activity.

the situation had escalated to a point 'none of us wanted to reach'

— Rosemarie LoftusDescribing the current state of the dispute over legal aid fees.

This action has already caused thousands of cases to be adjourned since it began last Wednesday. Further disruption is expected as solicitors withdraw services from evening and Saturday courts, special sittings, and cease providing attendance or phone advice at garda stations from midnight. They will also not act for new clients in custody cases. While solicitors will continue to represent existing custody clients, new juryswearing for cases involving defendants on bail is anticipated to halt.

this was deeply regrettable as she said the Law Society had engaged constructively, had published detailed submissions and sought meetings

— Rosemarie LoftusExpressing dismay at the lack of progress despite efforts by the Law Society.

Rosemarie Loftus, President of the Law Society, expressed regret over the escalation, stating that despite constructive engagement, detailed submissions, and meetings, the Department of Justice intends to proceed with the flat-fee model. The Law Society has also strongly criticized a review of the criminal legal aid system by the department, with Loftus dismayed by claims that solicitors are portrayed as maximizing payments and causing delays. She argued that solicitors representing vulnerable clients handle complex cases and adjournments driven by factors beyond their control, such as prosecution and court resources.

the Department of Justice intended to press ahead with the flat-fee model

— Rosemarie LoftusHighlighting the department's stance despite negotiations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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