Sign in

Flat fee for solicitors confronts 'very clear abuses' in free legal aid system, minister says

There are ongoing strikes by solicitors this week and next over the Department of Justice’s plans to reform the fee structures for the free legal aid system

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said the new scheme would be 'very generous' and he saw 'no reason as to why there’s any need for solicitors to withdraw their services'.

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026 - 14:07

Louise Burne

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has said that there are “clear abuses” of the free legal aid system by solicitors.

It comes amid ongoing strikes by solicitors this week and next over the Department of Justice’s plans to reform the fee structures for the free legal aid system.

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

WHATSAPP

NEWSLETTERS

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Scarlett Faulkner murder trial: DNA found on blood-stained metal pole

Scarlett Faulkner murder trial: DNA found on blood-stained metal pole

McDonald's sexual harassment complaints

Cork man who called Asian staff in fast food restaurant 'f***ing yellow' is jailed

Woman avoids jail over heroin seizure at Charleville train station

Woman avoids jail over heroin seizure at Charleville train station

<p>A woman is set to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with withholding information in the police investigation into the disappearance of Co Limerick woman Carrie Mullane (Peter Morrison/PA)</p>

Second person charged following disappearance of Limerick woman Carrie Mullane

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Get a lunch briefing straight to your inbox at noon daily. Also be the first to know with our occasional Breaking News emails.

IE_logo_newsletters

Check out our diverse library of newsletters and get the best of the Irish Examiner delivered straight to your inbox

© Examiner Echo Group Limited