Taxpayers have ‘had it up to their necks’ over free legal aid

Hard-pressed taxpayers and mortgage-holders have “had it up to their necks” as far as free legal aid is concerned, Limerick County Council heard yesterday.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has been called on to carry out a major reform of the system.

The council passed a notice of motion that defendants in future contribute to their own legal costs. The council also wants a certain number of free legal aid solicitors appointed on a fixed contracts, instead of the current system whereby solicitors are paid on a case-by-case basis.