Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has defended plans to reform the free legal aid system, saying the changes were designed to ensure the system was "speeded up".
“I regret the fact that there is a row, but my focus on this and the focus of everyone involved in this dispute should be what's in the best interest of the public and what's in the best interest of the court users.”
O’Callaghan told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland that research within the department of 350,000 criminal cases between 2022 and 2023 showed criminally legal aid-funded cases took five court appearances to be concluded, while it took three appearances for non-criminally legal aid-funded cases.
“That's the basis upon which I introduced the flat fee of €520, which gives recognition to the fact of there being five appearances.”
O'Callaghan said he recognised the very important role free legal aid solicitors played in the administration of justice.
He said the court...
