Solicitors and justice minister reach deal over long-running legal aid dispute

Jim O’Callaghan: 'I am very pleased that an agreement has been reached with the Law Society in relation to the new criminal legal aid scheme.' Picture: Micheal O Scannail/PA

Tue, 10 Nov, 2026 - 18:39

Elaine Loughlin

An agreement has been reached between solicitors and justice minister Jim O'Callaghan on a new criminal legal aid payment scheme.

The dispute, which began in July, resulted in many solicitors withdrawing their services in opposition to a new single fee structure pushed through by Mr O'Callaghan.

While the District Courttarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> flat fee payment system introduced by Mr O'Callaghan will remain in place, there will be enhanced payments made under this flat fee structure for separate and distinct cases involving two or more charges which are brought on the same day.

There will also be an enhanced single flat fee payment for cases which are often elongated, such as domestic violence cases, juvenile cases, and cases where the accused is placed in custody before trial.

From July 1, criminal defence solicitors working in the district court under the legal aid system have been paid a flat fee of €520 when the case concludes, equivalent to about five appearances.

Previously, they were given about €240 for the first appearance and about €60 for subsequent appearances.

Solicitors argued the changes were impractical and would mean that in the most complex cases that take more time, solicitors would effectively be working for free.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “I am very pleased that an agreement has been reached with the Law Society in relation to the new criminal legal aid scheme.

“The reforms which were the basis of the changes I implemented in July remain. This includes the flat fee model which removes the appearance-based fee structure and the ending of multiple certificates for one accused. This will result in a more efficient and cost-effective criminal justice system. This was the purpose of the reform I introduced.

“I want to thank my officials and the Law Society for their work on this agreement, and I look forward to the solicitors who had withdrawn their services returning to work.”