Solicitors legal aid row escalates ahead of Monday walkout

Criminal defence walkout set to affect cases across Ireland

The solicitors have written to the presidents of the District, Circuit and High Courts to notify them of the planned action. 

The move widens the dispute with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, with solicitors also withdrawing from privately funded criminal defence cases.

Even proceedings that have continued during the dispute will be affected. These include cases involving children and defendants who are currently in custody.

Law Society says talks with Justice Minister have stalled

The disagreement centres on a change to how solicitors are paid for criminal legal aid work. 

Since June, they have received a single payment of €520 per case, replacing the previous system of separate fees for individual court appearances.

Solicitors argue that the new arrangement does not account for the extra work involved in lengthy or complicated proceedings. 

They want additional legal aid certificates to be granted when a case goes beyond five court appearances.

However, the profession says efforts to reach a compromise have stalled because the Minister has not entered negotiations with the Law Society, which represents solicitors.

Tony Collier, a partner at Ferry’s Solicitors, reiterated the organisation’s willingness to discuss the matter in a letter to the court presidents. 

He said the Law Society was “ready to engage with the Minister at a moment’s notice”.

Senior judges call for resolution

The growing dispute has also prompted intervention from senior members of the judiciary. 

Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell has previously expressed concern about the situation, while High Court judge Mary Rose Gearty has encouraged both sides to reach a settlement before her ruling in November.

As reported by RTÉ, Monday’s planned withdrawal represents a further escalation in the dispute, with the disagreement over criminal defence fees still unresolved.