Reforms to give courts power to restrict criminal legal aid

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: 'Access to legal representation is fundamental to ensuring fair access to justice, and it is important that our legal aid architecture is appropriate and efficient.' Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Means-tested criminal legal aid can be withdrawn or cut under new Government reforms, which will also extend free legal advice to more victims.

The General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill 2023 is to be published today by Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne.