Justice minister and criminal legal aid solicitors reach agreement on payments dispute

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and criminal legal aid solicitors have reached a agreement over a new payment scheme, bringing an end to the long-running dispute.

The agreement was reached this evening after extensive talks between the parties and resolves the dispute in relation to payments surrounding “elongated cases” and separate and distinct cases brought on the same day.

The District Court flat fee payment structure remains and there will no longer be multiple certs granted for separate and distinct cases.

Earlier this year, Mr O’Callaghan introduced a €520 flat fee for criminal legal aid cases, which is designed to be equivalent to five appearances, which was the average under the old scheme plus an 8pc increase in fees given to all criminal lawyers.

There will be enhanced payments made under the flat fee structure for separate and distinct cases involving two or more charges which are brought on the same day.

There will also be an enhanced single flat fee payment for cases which are often elongated. These are domestic violence cases, juvenile cases and cases where the accused is placed in custody before trial.

Minister O’Callaghan, announcing the agreement, said:

“I am very pleased that an agreement has been reached with the Law Society in relation to the new Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.

“The reforms which were the basis of the changes I implemented in July remain. This includes the flat fee model which removes the appearance-based fee structure and the ending of multiple certificates for one accused. This will result in a more efficient and cost-effective criminal justice system. This was the purpose of the reform I introduced.

“I want to thank my officials and the Law Society for their work on this agreement, and I look forward to the solicitors who had withdrawn their services returning to work.”

More to follow...