Updated / Tuesday, 3 Nov 2026 11:39

Solicitors walk out on Strike Action outside the CCJ in Dublin

Solicitors walking out from the Criminal Courts of Justice last month (Photo: Collins)

New regulations brought in by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to govern the payment of legal aid in criminal cases are "grossly unfair" and "demonstrably illogical", the High Court has found.

The new regulations, providing for a flat fee of €520 to be paid per accused person, regardless of the number of charges against them or the number of court appearances, are at the centre of a dispute between the Minister and criminal legal aid solicitors which has disrupted the criminal justice system for more than four months.

Solicitor John Quinn challenged the new regulations in a judicial review and Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty's ruling was published a short time ago.

Talks have been under way between both sides since last week.

Sources have expressed optimism that regardless of today’s judgment, a resolution can be reached soon.

More to follow..

Orla O'Donnell Legal Affairs Correspondent

Source: RTÉ News · Órla O'Donnell

At a glance

Topic
World
Country
🇮🇪 IE
Publisher language
EN
Added to Allnira