Means test for criminal legal aid after €60m bill

PEOPLE claiming criminal legal aid will have to undergo a compulsory means test in cases where gardaí or the DPP legally object to the granting of the payment under measures proposed by Government.

Solicitors for every applicant for legal aid will have to produce their client’s PPS number under the proposals aimed at trimming the rising bill for criminal legal aid which last year reached close to €60 million.

Solicitors and barristers earned €57,596,267 between them last year through providing the state-funded legal aid – despite two reductions on rates imposed by Government.