A delegation from the Law Society of Ireland, led by President Rosemarie Loftus, met the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and his officials today. The discussions covered the operation of the new Criminal Legal Aid Scheme and the withdrawal of services by criminal defence solicitors, which is affecting all levels of the criminal courts.
Both sides agreed on the need to find a resolution without delay, and on the need for further time-bound engagement between their representatives. That engagement will commence this Friday 30 October and continue over the next week. The engagement will explore adjustments to address practitioners’ concerns and help deliver an effective and sustainable criminal legal aid system that protects access to justice and commands the confidence of those who use it.
The Law Society delegation welcomed the opportunity to meet and made clear that this dispute is having a real and significant impact on the administration of justice.
The Law Society has already set out two core issues which, if addressed, would resolve the key concerns of criminal defence solicitors. We remain committed to working constructively with the Minister and his officials to reach a resolution.
