Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee and Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has accused Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan of showing little willingness to resolve the ongoing dispute over criminal legal aid payments.
The dispute centres on a new flat-fee payment system introduced in July, which solicitors say does not adequately reflect the time and complexity involved in criminal cases. The Minister maintains that the reforms are necessary.
Criminal defence solicitors have widened their withdrawal of services, leading to significant disruption across the courts system, with thousands of cases reportedly adjourned. The action has also affected serious criminal proceedings, raising concerns about delays for defendants, victims and witnesses.
Deputy Carthy is calling for meaningful engagement between the Minister and the legal profession to resolve the dispute and minimise further disruption to the administration of justice, and he joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.
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