McGrath not planning to restore barristers' pay

Maura McNally, chair of the Council of the Bar of Ireland: 'While there is a perception that the barristers’ profession is one that is highly remunerated, the fact is that junior barristers appearing in the district court in criminal matters are paid €25 for an appearance and this is often their only fee earned in a day.' File picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath has no plans to restore pay to criminal law barristers, claiming there is no evidence that downturn cuts have discouraged people from entering the profession.

The Bar Council of Ireland has called for the urgent restoration of fees paid to criminal law barristers after it emerged that two-thirds abandon a career in criminal law after just six years.