'Something catastrophic could happen': Warnings as Oireachtas committees hears of fallout from legal aid dispute 

Cases relying on criminal legal aid have plummeted, with a 93% collapse in criminal legal aid certificates issued

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan did not attend the committee hearing. Chairman Matt Carthy called on Mr O'Callaghan to appear and address the matter. File picture: PA

Hundreds of criminals remain free and people accused of domestic abuse and rape can now personally cross-examine alleged victims in court because of the ongoing criminal legal aid dispute, the Oireachtas justice committee has heard.

Major Garda operations are also being postponed over concerns that a solicitor not being available when a suspect is detained could have implications for any subsequent prosecution.