More than 100 solicitors quit free legal aid scheme as minister says he will not give in
Over 100 solicitors in Dublin have resigned from the criminal legal aid panel in protest against a new government-mandated flat fee structure. The Minister for Justice has refused to revoke the changes, arguing they are necessary to prevent system abuse and improve case processing efficiency.
Why it matters
This industrial action threatens to disrupt the Irish criminal justice system, potentially delaying court proceedings and limiting access to legal defense for those in need.
More than 100 solicitors in Dublin have indicated they intend to resign immediately from the criminal legal aid panel in an escalation of their dispute with the Government over fees.
The decision to resign was taken following a meeting at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Monday of solicitors from some of Dublin’s biggest law firms engaged in free legal aid. The solicitors involved also agreed unanimously that no criminal defence services would be provided under the new legal aid structure.
Solicitors will also continue to refuse to provide advice to suspects detained for questioning in Garda stations.
The new legal aid scheme was introduced by the Government on July 1st. It will provide a flat fee of €520 for solicitors representing clients in criminal cases at the District Court level. This will replace a flat fee of €240 plus €60 for each subsequent hearing.
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