Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-07-02
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Simon Harris (FG), Wicklow

I thank Deputy Ahern for that colourful intervention, but on an important matter. The Minister for justice has introduced an 8% increase in criminal legal aid fees payable to solicitors and barristers in both the Circuit Court and High Court from 1 July. This is now a total restoration of criminal legal aid fees cut under the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI. He has also proposed, and is trying to bring about reform with, a move to a flat-fee model. I would also point out that he has moved on the level of that fee. The figure represents the current fee paid for five appearances in the District Court, plus an 8% increase. The weighted average of appearances by a solicitor in criminal cases legally aided is five, but many cases obviously require fewer appearances to be concluded.
Everyone wants to see progress on this. The Minister is pursuing a reform agenda. No one wants to see justice in any way delayed or disrupted. I am informed that no solicitor has formally resigned or withdrawn their name from the criminal legal aid panel, but I have certainly heard media commentary to the contrary. I think three solicitors wrote to the Department indicating they would be seeking to withdraw from the panel, but I hope a resolution can be found. I understand and support the reforms the Minister is trying to bring about.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-07-02/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:52:14+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-02