Victims' wellbeing at risk over legal aid dispute, says rape survivor

Ciara Mangan, founder of Beyond Surviving advocacy group, told the Irish Examiner that she is concerned about the impact of the current legal aid dispute and is hoping for a quick solution.

The emotional and financial wellbeing of victims and their families is being put at risk by the ongoing legal aid dispute, according to a rape survivor.

Ciara Mangan was raped by Shane Noonan of Castlehilll Park, Turlough Rd, Castlebar, Co Mayo, at a party in May 2013.

He pleaded guilty in 2023 but appealed his seven-year sentence.

The appeal was rejected in April 2025 and following the outcome, Ms Mangan said it was only then she could begin to heal.

The founder of Beyond Surviving advocacy group told the Irish Examiner she is concerned about the impact of the legal aid dispute and is hoping for a quick solution.

In recent days, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns told the Dáil 10 out of 12 rape trials scheduled for the Central Criminal Court on Monday could not go ahead because of the ongoing dispute over changes introduced to the system on July 1.

Legal professionals are opposed to the introduction of a flat fee for cases irrespective of how many court appearances are involved, and up to 55 solicitors resigned from the legal aid panel earlier this week.

Ms Mangan said: “I know too well the psychological stress that comes with delays. It is horrendous — it is not just your mental or psychological health. It manifests physically as well. I had a lot of physical problems from the wait. I really sympathise with victims.

“There is an emotional toll in being called for trial. But there is also a financial cost on the families of survivors as well. They are travelling, booking into hotels, and the only person who gets put up in a hotel is the victim. Then you get there, and you have to go home again.”

It is an enormous expense, she said.

“One of the most frustrating things for me was that my family would have spent thousands of euro over the years for trial dates and then had to return home, but nobody tells you that you can apply to be reimbursed after a certain period of time, and that ship had sailed by the time I heard about that.

“The impact of this is multi-faceted so I do hope that it is resolved as quickly as possible.”

Rape Crisis Ireland said it is calling for a resolution to the current situation and wants a guarantee that rape and sexual violence trials “are protected and prioritised”.

It also said: “Survivors seeking justice cannot become pawns in a restructure and fees dispute. Only two trials proceeded last Monday, and only because the accused were minors — a category solicitors have not withdrawn services for. 

"It is a disgrace that thousands of cases nationwide are stalling.”

“This is not a technical dispute. Every adjournment is another survivor left waiting — carrying their case, their evidence for months or years longer than they should have to. 

!And every delayed trial reinforces the fear that already stops so many survivors from reporting in the first place: That the system will not deliver for them.”

The Law Society is organising an Oireachtas Day on Wednesday “to ensure that solicitors working in criminal law have the opportunity to speak directly with their local TDs and senators about the serious consequences that proposed changes to Criminal Legal Aid will have”.