Solicitor, Niall Walsh described the dispute as a “battle for the future of the criminal justice system” as others raise concerns about a two-tier system.

Over 200 criminal defence solicitors have been withdrawing their services since June in opposition to the “one accused, one fee” model that was introduced by Mr O’Callaghan, from 1 July. Solicitors will receive one fixed fee of €520 for representing a legally aided person before the District Court. Previously solicitors were paid €239.38 for a first appearance and €59.86 for each subsequent appearance.

Solicitor Niall Walsh, writing to The Irish Times, stated that the changes were less about genuine reform of the criminal justice system and more about cost cutting. The solicitor’s dispute, he said, was less about pay, but a “battle for the future of the criminal justice system” putting access to representation at risk.

Mr Walsh highlighted that criminal defence work is not lucrative and involves long, unsociable hours, but is a “a necessary and important job” with legal aid “the safety net that guarantees equality before the law to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, ensuring that fairness is not limited to those who can afford it”.

Retired solicitor, Dara Robinson echoed those sentiments and argued that solicitors are not responsible for the inefficiencies in the system that Mr O’Callaghan’s reforms purport to address.

Solicitor Wendy Lyon, also writing to the newspaper, noted her experience of the declining number of trainee solicitors opting for a career in criminal defence and stated that this should “alarm anyone who cares about a functioning criminal justice system”. 

She added: “it is astonishing that the Government would seek to make criminal defence work even less appealing. Trainees and newly qualified solicitors should be encouraged to practise in this vital area of law.”