Criminal defence solicitors to continue withdrawal of services in September

Criminal defence solicitors, who practice in Dublin, have decided unanimously to continue their withdrawal of services into September. 

This is as a result of the ongoing impasse over a new fee structure for criminal legal aid imposed by the Minister for Justice on the 1st of July.

The Law Society of Ireland stated that the new fee structure was introduced without any “meaningful” negotiations with criminal defence solicitors or the body which represents all solicitors, the Law Society of Ireland.

More than 100 Dublin-based criminal defence solicitors met this afternoon and agreed to extend their withdrawal of services into September, when the District Courts are due to return following the usual summer recess.

This will mean those engaged in this dispute will not be available to represent clients on the legal aid scheme in the District Courts or at Garda Stations.

Solicitor Tony Collier said, “we want to be back in the courts doing our job, representing clients who require legal aid and ensuring the administration of justice. However, we have reluctantly decided to continue our withdrawal of services into September as the Minister for Justice is refusing to engage meaningfully with us or our representative body.”

Michael Finuncane added, “clear and reasonable proposals have been made by solicitors that could resolve the current dispute.”

“We urge the Minister to return to the table and engage with us with a view to a speedy resolution of this matter, so that the Criminal Justice System can start to function properly again.”