The Law Society welcomes comments from Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Tánaiste Simon Harris TD today on the need for direct engagement on the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.

Law Society President Rosemarie Loftus wrote to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration yesterday expressing concern at the impact the current impasse is having on the administration of justice.

Speaking today, President of the Law Society Rosemarie Loftus said: 

“The Law Society would welcome further direct engagement on this matter. We believe it can and must be resolved. Recent engagement was constructive and helped to narrow the issues in dispute to two core outstanding matters. We stand ready to work collaboratively to find a resolution. 

“I am deeply concerned at the collapse in cases. Behind each of these numbers is a defendant without representation, a victim whose wait for justice keeps getting adjourned, a Garda anxious to bring a case to conclusion – and many others who are directly impacted. The Law Society is available to meet at any time, or engage with a mediator. Our focus is on finding a workable solution and ensuring that we have a Criminal Legal Aid Scheme that works for everyone – users of the justice system and those who provide professional services to it.”

Shane McCarthy, Chair of the Criminal Law Committee at the Law Society, said:

“As it stands, the criminal courts have all but ground to a halt. In July,702 certificates issued under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. That represents a 93% drop on July 2025 when 10,277 certificates were issued. Figures for last month also show a massive decline – falling from 2,868 in August 2025 to 393 in August 2026. The initial data for September also looks stark. This is having a profound impact on all court users.”