Matt Carthy Accuses Justice Minister of Failing to Resolve Legal Aid Dispute - 21/10/2026
Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee and Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has accused Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan of showing little willingness to resolve the ongoing dispute over criminal legal aid payments.
The dispute centres on a new flat-fee payment system introduced in July, which solicitors say does not adequately reflect the time and complexity involved in criminal cases. The Minister maintains that the reforms are necessary.
Criminal defence solicitors have widened their withdrawal of services, leading to significant disruption across the courts system, with thousands of cases…
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