Wexford solicitors withdraw criminal legal aid services in protest at fee reforms

The Wexford Solicitors Bar Association informed the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána that, from June 11, practitioners undertaking criminal legal aid work will no longer attend Garda station interviews, evening court sittings or weekend courts until further notice.

The association said the action followed widespread concern among members over planned changes to criminal legal aid remuneration.

Solicitor Eileen O’Neill said the decision reflected “deep and widespread dissatisfaction within the profession concerning the nature and impact of the proposed changes”.

“Members are of the firm view that the proposed measures will significantly undermine the viability of the criminal legal aid practice and, consequentially, the ability of practitioners to provide effective and timely representation to persons in custody and before the courts,” she said.

Under the proposed scheme, solicitors handling District Court criminal cases would be given a flat fee of €455 per client – irrespective of the number of hearings involved. At present, they receive €239.38 for an initial appearance and €59.86 for each subsequent appearance.

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has said the reforms are intended to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary adjournments and encourage earlier resolution of cases.

Solicitor Lana Doherty said the withdrawal of services was “not undertaken lightly” but argued that the proposals posed “a serious threat to the sustainability of the current system”.