Senator Gerard Craughwell’s recently expressed regret that FEMPI-era cuts affecting certain incremental payments to TDs and Senators remain unwound, brought home to me the scandal of payrates not yet being fully restored for prosecution and defence barristers acting under State criminal law schemes.

Counsel continue to act at payrates from 2009 — 16 long years ago.

Is it not long past the time when all FEMPI-era cuts should be consigned to the dustbin? With inflation, how can 2025 prices be paid out of 2009 rates of pay?

Well done, Senator Gerard Craughwell.

Darren Lalor BL